INFANTICIDE.
93
became jealous, and in consequence resolved to end her existence. The unfortunate woman was murdered in a very brutal manner, by means of a thick stick, which completely shattered the head, and scattered the brains; her fingers and part of her ears were then cut off, to secure the rings and earrings which she was too fond of wearing, and the body then flung into a cane-piece. The dreadful effluvia first attracted notice ; and after some search, the body was found. A woman came forward and related some circumstances which occurred upon the last evening the unfortunate girl was seen alive, which led to the apprehension of Gould. He was brought to trial,— the evidence was all circumstantial,—and after a patient investigation of the case, he was sentenced to transportation for life. It appears, however, that no opportunity has occurred of putting the sentence into effect, as he still remains an inmate of the gaol, where it is said he suffers the stings of a guilty conscience, which conjures up the shade of the murdered girl before him, soon as “ evening gray" sets in. This is the last case of particular note which has stained the domestic pages of this pretty little island ; and I do hope, that now education is so liberally tendered, the minds of all classes may become enlightened, and this horrible crime become extinct. Infanticide has also been too often perpetrated in Antigua, particularly since emancipation ; although, it is true, it does not prevail to the extent it does in that " emporium of the world"—London. It is one of those unnatural offences which shews too clearly our fallen state. “ Can a woman forget her sucking child ?" is asked by the inspired Book ; and then, as if the sad reality of what human nature is capable of is remembered, it is added, yes, "She may forget!" And, alas ! those words have indeed proved true : the mother has indeed forgotten to have compassion upon the helpless little being which has derived its existence from herself. In the days of slavery, the negroes were not allowed by