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The sugar colonies possessed by the European nations in the West

Indies may be compared to those precious vineyards. Their whole

produce falls short of the effectual demand of Europe, and can be

disposed of to those who are willing to give more than what is

sufficient to pay the whole rent, profit, and wages, necessary

for preparing and bringing it to market, according to the rate at

which they are commonly paid by any other produce. In Cochin

China, the finest white sugar generally sells for three piastres

the quintal, about thirteen shillings and sixpence of our money,

as we are told by Mr Poivre {Voyages d'un Philosophe.}, a very

careful observer of the agriculture of that country.