Page:Remarks upon the Situation of Negroes in Jamaica.pdf/92

 Of our Eaſtern refources I am an utter ſtranger; of thoſe of Jamaica I can ſpeak with confidence. Though ſugar and rum be the ſtaples of the country, yet the cane is not ſucceſsfully cultivated in every ſoil, and as it is the moſt expenſive, ſo is it the moſt uncertain production of the climate. The accidents to which it is ſubject from a violence of ſeaſons, a contention of the elements, accidents of fire, the treſpaſs of cattle, and inprudenceimprudence [sic] of management, are ſuch, one would think, as would diſcourage the planter from its future culture; and yet for this plant the land is forced, is often impoveriſhed, and at laſt made deſert.

Although not one tenth part of this valuable and beautiful iſland be under a ſtate of cultivation; yet is there not a ſingle ſpot that is not, or may not be, applied to ſome uſe. Where canes do not thrive, the guinea, (an artificial graſs) will grow, and even among rocks, where a particle of mould is hardly ſeen; nay ſuch ſituations will likewiſe produce cotton, ginger, pimento, and wood of the moſt valuable dyes; or the moſt durable for building. Rice will flouriſh in the