chap, v.] WEST INDIES. 3 $ 3 
with a sick-house or hospital, divided into different 
apartments; and over which one or more aged wo¬ 
men preside as nurses. The proprietor commonly 
supplies blankets, flour, rice, sugar, and oatmeal: 
these things I have seldom known to be denied, 
and some gentlemen afford, besides fresh beef and 
mutton, more costly articles; such as spices, sago, 
and wine. 
On the whole, notwithstanding some defects, let 
allowance be made for the climate and soil, and it 
maybe asserted with truth and modesty, that if the 
situation of the slaves in the British West Indies 
were, in all cases, on a level with their circumstan¬ 
ces in regard to food, lodging and medical assist¬ 
ance, they might be deemed objects of envy to 
half the peasantry of Europe. 
At the same time let it not be forgotten, that the 
legislative authority in many of the sugar islands, 
has been, and still is, most humanely and laudably 
exerted in exalting the condition of the slave in all 
respects, and circumscribing the power of the mas¬ 
ter.— 44 Protection of their slaves (says the report 
44 of the privy council) made but a very small por- 
44 tion of their earlier policy. This branch has of 
44 late been taken up, and express directions have 
44 been given to insure to the negroes, the en~ 
44 joyment of many advantages tending to allevi- 
44 ate their condition. In three islands particularly, 
44 (Jamaica, Grenada, and Dominica), the wish to 
44 soften the rigours of their situation has manifested 
VoL IE y y 
