Letters on the cultivation of the Otaheite cane

"First edition of this scarce guide to the management of West Indian sugar plantations, compiled in epistolary form by Clement Caines, a Middle Temple barrister and owner of a plantation on St. Christopher's Island in the Caribbean. In his dedication he praises the dedicatee Hon. James Tyson for his kind treatment of slaves. Topics covered by Caines include the preparation of land and manuring, husbandry of cattle, "holing, bedding, and weeding, "with particular attention to planting. Throughout the book Caines is concerned with the superior "Otaheite" sugar cane which was introduced in the West Indies c.1793 and quickly supplanted the older variety known as "Creole." Instructions concerning cane cutting processes and the manufacture of sugar and rum are covered in detail. Caines, throughout addressing his nephew Charles, offers much advice on the care of plantation slaves, "the most important subject to which a planter can direct his attention." Specific medical complaints common to slaves in the West Indies are also outlined ("sores, yaws and leprosy"). Other topic include "the choice and appoitment of attornies" and "detecting ... unreasonable expenditure." A folding printed sample table displays a method of keeping a monthly plantation journal. A lengthy speech arguing in favour of the abolition of the slave trade addressed by Caines to the General Assembly of the Leeward Islands in 1798 is appended."--Description from Samuel Gedge, bookseller.