376 
THE LAW, LAWYERS, RELIGION, AND SHOPS. 
cases, where several generations have interven- 
ed, these marks of their ancestorial blood have 
nearly become obliterated, by a considerable 
regularity of features, and by a most lively 
and pleasing expression of face, in wliich no 
one is inclined to search for objections. Sub- 
sistence appears to be sufficient for the purpose 
of encouraging the progress of population, 
and the demand for labourers, and the high 
wages, call forth every individual to some cer- 
tain employment, with the full assurance of an 
ample leimbuisement.” 
As a cause of the increase of population, 
Mr. Stirling is of opinion that the price of 
labour tends to propel the increase of in- 
habitants : while all European articles are 
sold at a moderate price, the common ne- 
cessaries of life are extremely high. The 
effects of the French revolution, the subse- 
quent war and inadequate subsistence aris- 
ing therefrom ; the emigration on the intro- 
duction of the British rule ; a dreadful fire 
which happened in 1816, and burnt down 
the wholeof the town, andahurricane which 
happened in 1818, have however been checks 
which the population has received. Mr. Stir- 
ling says that for muscular or physical capa- 
bilities the slaves are not to be excelled ; they 
possess limbs remarkable for their sinewy 
appearance. Four orfive of them draw a cart, 
which could not be moved by less than two 
pair of bullocks. They are in the habit of 
dragging these carts about the town of Port 
Louis, with all sorts of merchandise. The 
following are our author’s remarks on the 
Creole progeny. 
“ The Creoles are often wealthy, engaged 
in beneficial occupations, moderate in their 
desires, and are viewed with indulgence ; and, 
wheie ties of affection exist, enjoy the hap- 
piness of relationship and preference. 'I'hey 
are andable anil agreeable in their manners, 
unassuming in their intercourse, and in their 
education, both the mien and women have op- 
poitunities of becoming useful and pleasing 
members of society. The former have a college 
opened to them, vvliere English. Latin, French, 
Mathematics, &c. &c. are taught by excellent 
masters ; and the latter are taught to pei fect 
their natural taste for music and dancing, 
of which they are passionately fond, to the 
fullest development. They likewise become 
good mothers and respectable iionsewives, 
are remarkably fond of their children, and 
their domestic arrangements are regulated 
with the greatest economy, combined with 
much liberality in theirliving, and hospitality. 
The Mulaitoe population is much greater 
than the European portion, and on actual 
inquiry, 1 have no doubt their numbers would 
be found very considerable, 'l lrey form the 
centre, the slaves the base, and the Flurope- 
ans the summit of the pyramid of the popula- 
tion of the Isle of Fi ance.” ' 
Mr. Stirling observes, on the subject of I 
law and police, that the former is that ’ 
prescribed by the French. The Code of Na- i 
poleon, in Mr. Stirling’s opinion, furnishes 
a clear, precise, and easily-understood set of 
regulations for the civil government of the 
colony, and seems well adapted to the cus- 
toms, manners, and sentiments of the in- 
habitants in general. The public duties are i 
well conducted, the subsidiary arrangements i 
being formed and managed with considera- 
ble judgment and energy. I 
“ 'J'here are two civil courts, or what amounts | 
to two; that is, there is a court which is I 
denominated the court of the First Instance, \ 
and a Court of Appeal; to these may be add- li 
ed the Admiralty Couit. Tliere are a num- !!i 
her of Lawyers and Attorneys, who attend i| 
and labour in these courts. I am both i 
ignorant as regards their character in respect | 
to their learning, ability, and integrity, and j 
as regards the nature of the suits that are || 
brought up for decision. Litigation, although I 
not unknown, is not, I feel persuaded, of so !j 
vindictive and harassing a character as in | 
most other countries.” I 
Popery is the religion generally adopted ; ; 
but there is an English protestant church, at 
which, however, the English protestants alone 
attend on the day appointed for divine wor- j 
ship. Attached to the catholics, — I 
•‘There is a Bishop with some other high 
officers of that Church resident at Port Louis. , 
'riie Church is perhaps the finest edifice there, 
and serviceis performed in it every morning ; 
and on Sundays the Grand Mass is gone | 
through twice. The churchmen are attentive I 
to their duties, and the people appear to at- j 
tend very regularly to hear and to join in the 
service. The Slaves are frequently, if not 
always, instructed to pay their devotions in 
this religion. All the Creoles learn the duties 
and ceremonies likewise of this Church; but 
what is somewhat singular, is, that the Mala- 
bars have become Christians, and, in the ab- 
sence of their original Hindoo ceremonies, 
have become the adopted children of Catho- 
licism. Such of them as are descended fiom 
Mahommedan ancestors, have forsaken the 
faith of the prophet for that of Christianity.” 
There are a number of excellent shops, 
furnished exactly in the European style, 
which are kept by Frenchmen from Europe, 
but more generally by Creoles born on the 
island: the shops of apothecaries are most 
conspicuous. The shop-keepers live in com- 
fort; their dealings are for ready money only, 
which ensures realization of profit. The high 
profits are out of proportion to the risk 
