Forest, except where the Woods are
cleared for Plantations, and old Fields, and where have been formerly
_Indian Towns_, and _poisoned Fields_ and _Meadows_, where the Timber
has been burnt down in Fire-Hunting or otherwise; and about the Creeks
and Rivers are large rank _Morasses_ or _Marshes_, and up the Country
are poor _Savannahs_.

The Gentlemen's Seats are of late built for the most Part of good Brick,
and many of Timber very handsom, commodious, and capacious; and likewise
the common Planters live in pretty Timber Houses, neater than the _Farm
Houses_ are generally in _England_: With Timber also are built Houses
for the _Overseers_ and _Out-Houses_; among which is the _Kitchen_ apart
from the _Dwelling House_, because of the Smell of hot Victuals,
offensive in hot Weather.

CHAP. IV.

_Of the_ Negroes, _with the Planting and Management of_ Indian _Corn,
Tobacco,_ &c. _and of their Timber, Stock, Fruits, Provision, and
Habitations,_ &c.

The _Negroes_ live in small Cottages called _Quarters_, in about six in
a _Gang_, under the Direction of an _Overseer_ or _Bailiff_; who takes
Care that they _tend_ such Land as the Owner allots and orders, upon
which they raise _Hogs_ and _Cattle_, and plant _Indian Corn_ (or
_Maize_) and _Tobacco_ for the Use of their Master; out of which the
_Overseer_ has a Dividend (or Share) in Proportion to the Number of
_Hands_ including himself; this with several Privileges is his Salary,
and is an ample Recompence for his Pains, and Encouragement of his
industrious Care, as to the Labour, Health, and Provision of the
_Negroes_.

The _Negroes_ are very numerous, some Gentlemen having Hundreds of them
of all Sorts, to whom they bring great Profit; for the Sake of which
they are obliged to keep them well, and not over-work, starve, or famish
them, besides other Inducements to favour them; which is done in a
_great Degree_, to such especially that are laborious, careful, and
honest; tho' indeed some Masters, careless of their own Interest or
Reputation, are too cruel and negligent.

The _Negroes_ are not only encreased by fresh Supplies from _Africa_ and
the _West India_ Islands, but also are very prolifick among themselves;
and they that are born there talk _good English_, and affect our
Language, Habits, and Customs; and tho' they be naturally of a barbarous
and cruel Temper, yet are they kept under by severe Discipline upon
Occasion, and by good Laws are prevented from run