An History of Jamaica

own observation, but as they coincide with the experience of several eminent and excellent medical practitioners from that country, to whose literary labours, and personally communicated information, he feels himself much, and pleasingly, indebted.

The other supplementary Chapters, containing observations on the climate, soil, and productions of the island, and on the dispositions, employments, manners and customs of the Negroes and Europeans, if they contain little original or entertaining, have at least the merit of being short, while the facts related in them are indisputable, and are properly arranged. Indeed, it would perhaps be an improvement, if travellers, instead of relating a few meagre, hacknied, or uninteresting anecdotes, which is an occupation best fitted for, and most congenial to, superficial thinkers, would employ their time, in illustrating the history of the countries which they visit; and, by studying the condition and manners of the inhabitants, they might be, in some measure, enabled, to propose plans for the melioration of their condition, and the advancement of their happiness. But this remark proceeds rather from a wish to defend the method, which has, in the following pages, been attempted, than from any desire to affect superior wisdom, or to dictate to others.

These observations have been deemed requisite, both to defend the plan of the Author, and the manner in which it has been executed. This defence is also, perhaps, the more necessary, as it proceeds from one, who now makes his first appearance, in propria persona, on the theatre of the literary world. A first attempt, in any department of life, especially by a young person, has always been treated, by every liberal mind, with a certain degree of indulgence. But whatever treatment he may receive from professed Critics, those formidable but necessary Cerberi of modern literature, the terror and delight of modern authors, he trusts, that he has philosophy enough, to prevent him, from being either unduly elated, or depressed. If they approve, he shall be gratified; if they point out his mistakes, he will endeavour to rectify them. If they display any hostility to his undertaking, he will not forget the good old maxim, Fas est et ab hoste doceri: And should they treat with contempt, his literary talents and labours, he hopes it will not be deemed presumptuous in him, to express a modest confidence, and to exclaim, in the language of an eminent master, Ed Io anche son pittore! And he surely may be allowed to expect, that he will not be blamed, for not having executed, what he has not attempted;

that he will not be judged by the standard, which would have been employed, to estimate the productions of a Hume, a Robertson, or a Gibbon; that he will not be ridiculed, for not having produced a voluminous work, capable of conveying his name, with respect, to posterity. Would it not be unreasonable, to laugh at the architect of an humble cottage, because he had not reared a costly, or a splendid palace?

But, after all, it is to the opinion of the Public alone, that the Author, in common with all others, ought to pay a respectful deference: And to the decision of this impartial and enlightened tribunal, whatever it may be, he will silently, and unreluctantly submit.

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