the impression that a wave of extraordinary solemnity is passing over the American negroes, and that "profane" songs and dances are getting into bad odour everywhere. In Barbados, on the other hand, it is plain that the African race has not lost its light-heartedness. These negroes are also keen politicians, as may be learnt from the concluding verses of a song dealing with the Federation scheme proposed by a late Governor:—
"You see dem prospect nago,
A wusless[1] set of Bajon,
Git (up) against them nation
And join de Federation.
"You hear dem prospect nago,
Dem wusless set of nation;
Dem drink a parcel of white rum,
Den loss den calculation.
"De nagoes nebber better;
Dey say dem want to be greater,
Dem killing all de Backro stock,
An grab up all de potatoes.
Chorus.
"Come you good Bardians!
Stand upon your station,
Don't git against your nation
To join de Federation."
Much folk-lore might be collected in Barbados. One little trait which came to my knowledge some years ago I will recall here. During a cholera epidemic the negroes started the idea that a small piece of copper worn next to the skin was a certain preventive, and my informant declared that those who were thus protected did actually enjoy a singular immunity.
- ↑ Worthless.
