DANCING.
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part of the world,*) another ditty is requisite; and even if you get them to lift any article which obliges them to use a little exertion, a song must accompany the action. Most of these songs are extempore, and are sung to some favourite tune, the poetry being generally a species of parody, or else a ludicrous composition upon some person who may have attracted their attention, either by a peculiarity in dress or manners ; and it is surprising how soon the whole tribe learn it. Some negroes have a clear, sweet, and powerful voice, while others again resemble the screech of a pair of bagpipes, or give the idea of a parrot warbling an Italian air. The black boys are nearly all good whistlers, and some of them will go through, with correctness, many of our best airs, with variations. They are also great psalm-singers, the streets often resounding with this peculiar species of harmony. Next to singing, their favourite pastime is, to “ trip the light fantastic toe," and at this sport they are indefatigable. These dancing parties are differently conducted ; at some are danced quadrilles ! (I am not aware if the gallopades and Mazurka have found their way into these coteries at present, but as all negroes are great sticklers for fashion, I suppose they have,) at others only country dances and reels are introduced ; while the Africans are content with their own native dance, and their music of the Bangoe and Turn-turn. Christmas is the principal season for these assemblies, although there are subscription balls held once or twice a week in some of the small houses at the back of the town. These meetings may be very agreeable to the negroes, but they are anything but agreeable to those unfortunates who may chance to inhabit houses in the vicinity. Little or no sleep will visit their eyes upon those nights dedicated to gay Terpsichore, and they may be led to misquote Shakspeare, and say, " Dancing murders sleep." The music generally consists of a squeaking fiddle, a tamborine, (upon which they have a peculiar way of performing,) and a triangle, played without any regard to time or melody. The worst characters * For mode of moving houses, see page 132.