on the leeward side of the island; the roads were much better, and the country was more thickly settled. We also passed the habitations of several families of free blacks, fishermen, or mechanics, who earned a livelihood by their industry. The moon arose ere we reached the end of our journey, fatigued with a long day's ride. In tropical climates, the moon's light is more brilliant than in Europe, enabling one to read the smallest print.

Having examined the state of the negroes, and of the buildings, and of the crop expected in this plantation, (Macoucherie,) and finding that we were obliged to wait for the arrival of a carpenter, we rode up to pay a visit to one of our Roseau friends, then residing on his plantation, high up, in the very gorge of the mountains, and close to the woods. With him we spent a pleasant day, and, early next morning, we betook ourselves to the woods, to shoot "Ramies," the principal game-bird to be met with here, resembling the partridge in size, but more the grouse, in bitterness of flavour. These birds are found

very unhealthful.-The bay is a place of rendezvous for the British men-of-war to supply themselves with wood and water. The town of Prince Rupert's, next to Roseau in size and population, is about half a mile from the garrison, and runs along the bay. It contains some tolerably good houses and stores, and a tavern for the reception and accommodation of visitors.

only in the woods, and never near to the towns or large estates; yet they are easily shot, as they never fly far, but, moving from one tree to another, with plaintive cries, seem at a loss how to escape.

Returning in the evening to Macoucherie, we still found that the carpenter had not made his appearance. There had been much sickness amongst the white people on this estate: a new manager from Antigua had lately arrived; the overseers had died; and the negroes were entirely under the direction of new people.

Our next morning's ride led us over the Grand Savannah, a headland stretching into the sea, covered only with grass, which is generally so stinted and burnt up as to afford but little pasturage for the cattle, sheep, and goats browzing upon it. it. Having reached the other side, we rapidly approached the fine sugar estates adjoining to Roseau. Our road to the town lay under Morne Daniel, where was a small barrack, with a guard of soldiers. Woodbridge's Bay affords excellent anchorage for ships of the largest tonnage, and much better shelter than the roadstead of Roseau. The fine estate of Woodbridge's (called after the proprietor, and now in possession of his son,) reaches to the edge of the river; on the opposite side of which commences the town of Roseau, where we arrived, after a tour of twelve days, well pleased to rejoin our friends.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS IN THE WEST INDIES.

As the Christmas holidays approach, there is a perceptible increase of spirit and activity in the whole West India population-white, coloured, and black. To the slaves, it is not only the season of increased supplies of food and raiment, but also of release from all labour, not absolutely necessary. The towns are filled with happy and merry groups of negroes, in their best attire, parading the streets, and displaying their various finery; for blackey, in his way, wishes to be the very pink of fashion, and to be looked at, as well as his master or mistress. It is highly amusing to observe the men walking with their Dulcineas, or rather sailing along the streets in full blow, courting admiration, often in dancing costume, silk stockings, satin shoes, &c. ; the day being devoted to visits, and the night to dancing.-In this display, the town's negroes and people of colour take the lead; the estate negroes being generally a

little behind in the fashions, and in fashionable deportment.

In the French islands, and those which have been originally settled by the French, these holidays are farther enlivened by the Catholic processions which take place, by the celebration of high mass in the churches, and by the merry groups of morrice dancers, or masqueraders, who go from house to house in the evenings, dancing waltzes, &c. Amongst the English colonists, the gentlemen make a round of forenoon visits, and call on every family with whom they are acquainted, and within reach, to wish them the compliments of the season; a pleasant custom, only that the profuse administration of cake and wine sometimes proves too powerful for weak stomachs. Christmas-day is always devoted to family dinnerparties, with liberal invitations to those who are strangers, or without family ties. As in England, small bands of music go from house to house, and from street to street, enlivening the scene, and making their Christmas collection. It has long been the practice of the colonies to proclaim martial law, and to put the different regiments and companies of militia on permanent duty, on the 24th of December, and during the holidays. This is a measure of necessary precaution; attempts having, at times, been made at this season, to excite rebellion amongst the slave population. The

establishment of martial law is notified by the firing of two guns, and hoisting a red flag at the batteries; and it is annulled by the same ceremony, substituting the British colours for the red flag.

In the country, the holidays are kept in the same festive manner as in the towns, and the militia duty is performed with equal strictness. The militia is officered by proprietors and merchants, and composed of all the white men able to bear arms, and under sixty years of age; and by all free coloured men and blacks, who are formed into companies by themselves, and officered by whites. The days for mounting guard are generally the three Christmas holidays, and new year's day; after which, the negroes return to their work, with renewed alacrity. The season of crop-making now commences, and that, invariably, produces signs of renewed life and activity amongst all classes, sexes, and ages.

At Christmas, balls and parties are also the order of the day. The subscription balls, generally, commence about the new year. It might be supposed, that, in such a climate, dancing would `be attended with great fatigue; but this is not the case: on the contrary, the ladies often, instead of retiring to rest after a ball, only change their dresses, and proceed into the country on marooning parties, as they are called; that is, parties of pleasure, hastily resolved on, and immediately