54
ANTIGUA.
old state of things.". Were there no other considera tion, it gave him great pleasure to see men working in the fields, as free agents as himself. He sometimes pointed to a well dressed gang of laborers, and asked his friends whether it was not an exhilarating sight. Some would reply to him, that it was all very well if it did but last ; but that now, every child was being educated ; and that the next generation would be too much of gentlemen and ladies to work in the field. He however maintained, that there was more danger in partial than general education. 6th.—We went this morning to see the national schools in St. John's, where we were joined by the Rector, who kindly devoted the morning to us. Both the boys' and girls' schools were in a more efficient state than others which we have visited. A large pro portion of the children were emancipated in August, 1834, viz. seventy-eight of one hundred and seventeen boys, and seventy-five of one hundred and twenty two girls. Some of these were very fair. We noticed one little girl in particular ; and were much astonished, when she held up her hand with the rest that were made free. Her complexion was fair and clear ; her hair flaxen, and with features perfectly European. The schoolmistress, an energetic old lady, appeared to take the most lively interest in her scholars, and seem ed to be intimately acquainted with their individual histories, &c. Straw plaiting has been carried on in both schools ; and in the boys', the making of shoes and trowsers, but the latter is at present suspended. W e were next taken to see the Rector's infant school ; a most interesting little establishment. Here the chil dren were nearly all of the emancipated class. A little regiment of them come every morning from a neigh-