Page:Abstract of the evidence for the abolition of the slave-trade 1791.djvu/169

( 135 )

Evidence suggests other Regulations that would accelerate this increases [sic].

E have found, that lightening the labour of the slaves, attending to their grievances, punishments, and the like, have been the means of contributing to their increase by population; hence any new modes suggested by the evidence, that will produce the same effects, or will tend to their better nourishment or establishment in society, must accelerate that increase.

What these Regulations are.

1.Let the plough be introduced on every estate which will admit the use of it.

The introduction of the plough would, in the opinion of Forster, Sir G. Young, Rees, Harrison, Giles, and Duncan, save the slaves much labour. Mr. Fitzmaurice has known it answer this end. Mr. Woodward and Mr. J. Woodward farther confirm the same: the former has reduced its utility on his own estate to the following rule: one plough, two men, and four horses, do as much work as thirty negroes, and, after the plough, it does not require, says he, much negro labour to prepare the ground for the cane. He thinks that the largest part of the cane and ginger land in Barbadoes, may be ploughed to the advantage of the proprietor, and the saving of negroes labour.

2.In