They had been the nurses or companions of the owners when children, had grown up with them, and regarded themselves, and were regarded by them, as almost part of the family.

There was, of course, less connection between the planters and their field hands; but these also had for the most part been born on the estate, had as children been taught to look up to their white masters and mistresses, and to receive many little kindnesses at their hands.
They had been cared for in sickness, and knew that they would be provided for in old age.

Each had his little allotment, and could raise fruit, vegetables, and fowls, for his own use or for sale, in his leisure time.

The fear of loss of employment, or the pressure of want, ever present to our English laborers, had never fallen upon them.

The climate was a lovely one, and their work far less severe than that of men forced to toil in cold and wet, winter and summer.