to sixty, the returns
are very uncertain, that degree of heat being too low for the
necessary vegetation, maceration, and fermentation. The yieldings
for the subsequent cuttings somewhat diminish; but in Jamaica and
St. Domingo, if the land is new, about 300 lbs. per acre of the
second quality may be expected annually from all the cuttings
together; and four negroes are sufficient to carry on the
cultivation of five acres, besides doing other occasional work,
sufficient to reimburse the expenses of their maintenance and
clothing."

The process for obtaining the dye, according to the same author, was
conducted through the means of two cisterns, the one elevated above
the other, in the manner of steps. The higher, which was also the
longer, was named the _sleeper_--its dimensions sixteen feet square
and two and a half in depth. The second, into which the fluid was
discharged, was called the _battery_; it was about twelve feet
square, and four and a half in depth. These cisterns were of stone;
but strong timber answered remarkably well. There was also a
lime-vat, six feet square and four feet deep, the plug of which was
at least eight inches from the bottom. This was for the purpose of
permitting the lime to subside, before the lime-water was withdrawn.
The plants then being ripe, or fit for cutting, were cut with
reaping-hooks, or sickles, a few inches from the ground--six was the
minimum--and placed by strata in the _sleeper_, until it was about
three parts full. They were then pressed with boards, either loaded
with weights or wedged down, so as to prevent the plants from
floating loosely; and as much water was admitted as they would
imbibe, until it covered the mass four or five inches deep. In this
state it was allowed to ferment until the water had extracted the
pulp. To know when this had been thoroughly effected, required
extreme attention and great practical knowledge; for if the fluid
were drawn off too soon, much of the pulp was left behind; and if
the fermentation continued too long, the tender tops of the plants
were decomposed, and the whole crop lost. When the tincture or
extract was received in the battery, it was agitated or churned
until the dye began to granulate, or float in little flakes upon the
surface. This was accomplished at one period in Jamaica by paddle