When they obtain their discharge they generally labor in the trades and occupations they were previously accustomed to, and conduct themselves well.

The discharged apprentices seldom take to drinking.

Indeed the negro and colored population are the most temperate persons I ever knew of their class.
The experience of nearly forty years in various public situations, confirms me in this very important fact.
The answers I have had the honor to give to the questions submitted to me, have been given most conscientiously, and to the best of my judgment are a faithful picture of the working of the apprenticeship in this island, as far as relates to the inquiries made .-- _John B.Colthurst, Special Justice of the Peace, District A.Rural Division_.
COMMUNICATION FROM CAPT.

HAMILTON.
Barbadoes, April 4th, 1837.
Gentlemen, Presuming that you have kept a copy of the questions[A] you sent me, I shall therefore only send the answers.
[Footnote A: The same interrogatories were propounded to Capt.

Hamilton which have been already inserted in Major Colthurst's communication.] 1.