Page:Slave trade.pdf/15

( 15 ) then ſent down between the decks, and placed in an apartment partitioned off for that purpoſe. The women likewiſe are placed in a ſeparate apartment between decks, but without being ironed. And an adjoinning room, on the ſame deck, is appointed for the boys.

But, they are frequently ſtowed ſo cloſe, as to admit of no other poſture than lying on their ſides. Neither will the height between decks, unleſs directly under the grating, permit them the indulgence of an erect poſture; eſpecially where there are platforms, which is generally the caſe. Theſe platforms are a kind of ſhelf, about eight or nine feet in breadth, extending from the ſide of the ſhip towards the center.—They are placed nearly midway between the decks, at the diſtance of two or three feet from each deck. Upon theſe the negroes are ſtowed in the ſame manner as they are on the deck underneath.

In each of the apartments are placed three or four large buckets, of a conical from, being near two feet in diameter at the bottom, and only one foot at the top, and in depth about twenty-eight inches; to which, when neceſſary, the negroes have recourſe. It often happens, that thoſe who are placed at a diſtance from the buckets, in endeavouring to get to them, tumble over their companions, in conſequence of their being