Page:Abstract of the evidence for the abolition of the slave-trade 1791.djvu/177

( 143 ) Decrease of Slaves by deaths would be retarded.

It has been shewn too, that, in consequence of their being better fed, according to some of the regulations suggested, they would be far less liable to suffer from epidemicks [sic], and it is evident, that, being better fed, less worked and harrassed by the whip, that is, in every respect, better used, their lives would be proportionably prolonged.

Much of their labour would be saved.

It has likewise appeared, that two slaves, assisted by the plough, do the work of thirty without it; and that, in the earthing up of the canes, two slaves using the East Indian implement mentioned would do the work of ten with the hoe.

And the Gangs rendered more efficient in strength and number.

From the present compulsive and oppressive system, it has appeared in evidence, that numbers of slaves run away, and are laid up sickly. But the regulations would put an end to these evils, and the gangs, not being deserted and thinned as before, would become more efficient in strength and number.

This strength and this number would be rendered still more effective, by the assistance and labour of such, as we have seen, are under the present system, often crippled or badly wounded by the watchmen. From the above then it appears,

Hence cultivation need not be impeded till the rising generation could be put to employ.

1.That on the day the importation should cease, the colonists, by incorporating the watchmen and drivers in their field-gangs, would have an additional number (and that a considerable one) of seasoned hands by which they would be compensated for the natural deaths of the working slaves, during at least a part of the time in which the rising generation were growing up for labour.

2.That the natural deaths of the working slaves would be greatly and progressively retarded, from that day, and could not possibly happen so frequently as before.

3.That