ints. In spite of the price the trade developed.
In 1766 there were about 25,000 slaves and 1200 free Negroes in the
colony. In 1799 there were 55,000 of the former class and 35,000 of
the latter. In 1832 they were estimated at 16,000 free Negroes and
63,500 slaves. It seems difficult to account for the diminution among
the free Negro population. Baron Grant de Vaux[5] states that to
prevent the increase of this class it was enacted that no slaves
should be liberated save those who had saved the lives of their
masters. A kind-hearted master, however, could always give his slave
an opportunity to save his life.

Slavery as it developed in Maritius falls in three epochs. During the
earliest period the institution gradually took the form of a system
somewhat like that of the bondage of the Hebrews, modified in the case
of Mauritius, however, according to the requirements of the temper and
habits of the natives and the situation of the planters. There was no
regard for the comfort of the slaves and they tended to degrade to the
lowest depths. Yet the slaves were not considered altogether as
chattels, convertible at the will of their masters. In the second
stage, however, the bondage of the Negro reached the darkest age of
irresponsibility to law and cruelty absolutely intolerable. A few
officials and planters protested, and travelers who saw the horror
appealed for mercy in behalf of the unfortunate.[6] A change in the
attitude of the planters toward the slaves was finally forced and
characterized the third stage of slavery in Mauritius. These cruelties
were mitigated largely by the agitation of _Les Amis des Noirs_, among
whom were some of the most distinguished actors in the grand drama of
the French Revolution. The leading reformers were the brilliant
orators Mirabeau and Madam de Poivre, the wife of the deceased
Intendant of the Isle of France. At a much earlier date, even under
Labourdounais, under whose economic development of Mauritius slavery
flourished, much was said about improving the condition of the
slaves.[7] Yet it was not until the rule of De Caen that we observe
actual efforts to provide for the slaves, such as better nourishment,
religious instruction and legal marriage.[8]

The first attempt to emancipate the slaves was made by the leaders of
the French Revolution, who, while they professed to discard
Christianity as a revelation from God, deduced the equality of all men
before God from the principles o