206 STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE 



gave general satisfaction, though the east and west coast 

 planters still have a little sparring. In 1799 and 1800, the 

 rage for cotton planting, was greatly increased by the largest 

 crops ever known to be produced in the colonies, and the 

 price it fetched at market, exceeded every former limit. From 

 the season being so very favourable, it was computed that 

 every tree produced a pound of net cotton, although the ge- 

 neral average is never calculated at more than one fourth. 



The price in the English markets, gradually advanced from 

 two shillings and sixpence to four shillings per pound, and 

 almost all the large crop fortunately arrived for sale, and be- 

 nefitted by the rising prices. The crop commenced in Sep- 

 tember, and continued, with little or no intermission, until 

 July following ; and such was the immense blow and quantity 

 of cotton on the trees, that a great deal was lost and blown 

 away before it could be picked. Many estates hired negroes 

 at three, four, and five shillings per day, under an idea of 

 preserving the cotton, by picking it in time, and on Sundays, 

 those negroes who were willing to work, were paid in the 

 same proportion by their proprietors. Negroes too belonging 

 to sugar and coffee estates, willingly hired themselves for that 

 day, to pick cotton for the neighbouring plantations. 



From several transactions which came under my inspection, 

 I had an opportunity of knowing that considerable profitable 



