Page:The History of the Island of Dominica.djvu/232

 They are, in general, very idle and inolent; the females uually follow the occupations of patry-cooks and huckters, to the great detriment of more indutrious poor white people, and will often get credit for articles in their way of buines when the latter cannot; but being in general young perfons of the ex, they contrive to pay their debts very atisfactorily to ome merchants. There are, however, ome few of them who are natives of the iland, who have good coffee plantations, and are very civil and courteous.

The free people of colour are remarkably fond of dres and dancing; for the enjoyment of both which they will acrifice every thing that is valuable in their poeion. Dancing is the chief part of their amuements, their preparations for which are commonly very expenive; their ladies being uually dreed in ilks, ilk tockings and hoes; buckles, bracelets, and rings