2.  What is the state of agriculture in the island?

When the planters themselves admit that general cultivation was never in a better state, and the plantations extremely clean, it is more than presumptive proof that agriculture generally is in a most prosperous condition.  The vast crop of canes grown this year proves this fact.  Other crops are also luxuriant.

3.  Is there any difficulty occasioned by the apprentices refusing to work?

No difficulty whatever has been experienced by the refusal of the apprentices to work.  This is done manfully and cheerfully, when they are treated with humanity and consideration by the masters or managers.  I have never known an instance to the contrary.

4.  Are the apprentices willing to work in their own time?

The apprentices are most willing to work in their own time.

5.  What is the number and character of the complaints brought before you—­are they increasing or otherwise?

The number of complaints brought before me, during the last quarter, are much fewer than during the corresponding quarter of the last year.  Their character is also greatly improved.  Nine complaints out of ten made lately to me are for small impertinences or saucy answers, which, considering the former and present position of the parties, is naturally to be expected.  The number of such complaints is much diminished.

6.  What is the state of crime among the apprentices?

What is usually denominated crime in the old countries, is by no means frequent among the blacks or colored persons.  It is amazing how few material breaches of the law occur in so extraordinary a community.  Some few cases of crime do occasionally arise;—­but when it is considered that the population of this island is nearly as dense as that of any part of China, and wholly uneducated, either by precept or example, this absence of frequent crime excites our wonder, and is highly creditable to the negroes.  I sincerely believe there is no such person, of that class called at home an accomplished villain, to be found in the whole island.—­Having discharged the duties of a general justice of the peace in Ireland, for above twenty-four years, where crimes of a very aggravated nature were perpetrated almost daily.  I cannot help contrasting the situation of that country with this colony, where I do not hesitate to say perfect tranquillity exists.

7.  Have the apprentices much respect for law?

It is perhaps, difficult to answer this question satisfactorily, as it has been so short a time since they enjoyed the blessing of equal laws.  To appreciate just laws, time, and the experience of the benefit arising from them must be felt.  That the apprentices do not, to any material extent, outrage the law, is certain; and hence it may be inferred that they respect it.

8.  Do you find a spirit of revenge among the negroes?