Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/64

 ſo, their conſtitutional ſpirits, or bodily exertions: in thoſe of a negro, his mind is vvacant; and if he be healthy and vigorous, his labour is rather an employment than a toil. I think, however, where he has any predilection for a trade, or other ufſful employment, that it is better policy to indulge than reſtrain his inclination. There are but few men I ſhould ſuppoſe, who could be ſo very weak as to believe, that the climate in which he is born, in which brought up, and to which from nature, and uſe habituated, can be at all repugnant to his ſtate and feelings. His condition is impreſſed upon his birth, it accompanies him through the different ſtages of life, and only ends when life ſhall be no more. He could as ſoon exchange his ſkin as alter his ſituation, he is accuſtomed to what he feels, and the leaſt innovation, be it even an introduction to freedom, would not compenſate his removal from his native ſoil; his dependance upon future events, and the abdication of general protection, and certain food. Negroes are very ſenſibly attached to properties; they reverence a maſter who claims