WEST INDIES. 
337 
CHAP. V.] 
To the foregoing might perhaps be added the 
saving of freight, on the difference between the 
weight of raw and refined sugar; but I will reckon 
nothing on this account, because I am of opinion 
that any given quantity of refined sugar made into 
loaves, though less in weight, will nevertheless oc¬ 
cupy more space than the full quantity of raw sugar 
from which it is made. It is therefore reasonable 
to suppose, that the price of freight would be ad¬ 
vanced in proportion ; a circumstance which ought 
to obviate all manner of objection to the system, 
from the owners of ships employed in its transpor¬ 
tation. 
But the great and decisive advantage that would 
accrue to the planter from refining his own sugar in 
the colonies, arises from the circumstance that his 
capital, or stock, is already provided to his hands; 
without which the savings that have been stated 
would avail him but little. I mean, not only that 
he possesses the raw material, but also, that the 
buildings and apparatus of all kinds which are requi¬ 
site for the manufacture of muscovado sugar, are, 
with a very small addition, all that are wanted for 
the business of refining.* The necessary additions 
on each plantation would consist chiefly of a drying- 
house, provided with stoves for baking the loaves, 
* The planters of Jamaica frequently refine sugar for domestic use, 
and I have seen it done in as great perfection as in London. In St. 
Domingo a process has been discovered of refining muscovado with 
the juice of limes and lemons. A refiner from thence of the name of 
Vol. III. 
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