370 HISTORY OF THE [book m 
cy, would have this effect. Such a system would be laying 
a" foundation on which a large superstructure might be 
built in the reformation of manners. Even in point of ex¬ 
pense, an estate can well afford it ; for the aggregate of 
time wasted in the sick-house, on the mere pretence of ill¬ 
ness, is equal to a little fortune to every planter. When I 
was last in Jamaica, I made the experiment with a body of 
tradesmen, and punctually paid to each, at the end of the 
week, (if a week’s work was done), two bitts.*' I he 
effect m point of labour was wonderful, ana I believe, that 
the system would in time have taught the negroes also, 
that honesty was better policy than thieving, &c. and have 
led, by degrees,- to consequences still more important and 
beneficial both to the master and the slave. 
* About one shilling English. 
