The Jamaica Planter’s Guide
Or, a System for Planting and Managing a Sugar Estate or Other Plantations in that Island, and Throughout the British West Indies in General

This 1823 work is an important source for the study of the slave economy and agriculture in the West Indies.

Thomas Roughley (Author)

9781108024303, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 16 December 2010

436 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.55 kg

Thomas Roughley published this Guide in 1823, based on his own experience. The book is an important source on Britain's richest colony, where the sugar trade had reached its peak production around 1810. At a time when the abolition of slavery was a major issue, Jamaican planters were particularly concerned, as so much of their activity was based on slave labour. The book deals with all aspects of running a sugar plantation profitably, the chapter on the work force being particularly interesting. He outlines each role necessary for the effective estate, and criticises the 'slanders' of philanthropists regarding the mistreatment of slaves, referring to the strict laws for their protection: since the importation of new slaves had been banned since 1807, it was all the more necessary for owners to look after their workforce's health and welfare. Roughley shows that well-run plantations were highly complex agricultural and economic units.

1. Of plantation attorney or agents
2. The treatment of slaves
3. Choice and treatment of stock
4. The works and overseer's house
5. Planting and cultivation of the sugar-cane, &c.
6. Cutting of sugar-canes, and manufacturing sugar
7. Making and distilling of rum
8. Planting and care of provisions.

Subject Areas: Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH]