Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/46

 he ſhould ſupply them with materials, and ſend them aſſiſtance to build a houſe; ſhould encourage them to become domeſtic, and ſhould by degrees initiate them into the labours of the field; but I ſhould not ſuffer them to be put into the big gang, until their growth ſhall be confirmed; and unleſs they have ſufficient bodily ſtrength to make their way good with the others. As for thoſe, who are intended for a trade, their labour is proportionably eaſy; but I would, independently of their work, recommend the ſame treatment in every other reſpect, with thoſe intended for the field; and even the houſe negroes ſhould be eſtabliſhed in their own houſes, and grounds.

I think that negroes in general are a healthy ſet of people; and if they were more indulged than they are in ſickneſs, their work more apportioned to their ſtrength, their food certain, and their cloathing warm, that they would ſeldom trouble the hoſpitals with their company, or the overſeer with complaints. If a good negro, ſhould not, by ſome accident, turn out ſo ſoon one morning as the others do, or with from ſlight indiſpoſition