The Doctor informed us that the crop on his estate had almost totally failed, on account of the drought--being reduced from one hundred and fifty hogsheads, the average crop, to _fifteen_! His provision grounds had yielded almost nothing. The same soil which ordinarily produced ten cart-loads of yams to the acre--the present season barely averaged _one load to ten acres_! Yams were reduced from the dimensions of a man's head, to the size of a radish. The _cattle were dying_ from want of water and grass. He had himself lost _five oxen_ within the past week. Previous to emancipation, said the Doctor, no man in the island dared to avow anti-slavery sentiments, if he wished to maintain a respectable standing. Planters might have their hopes and aspirations; but they could not make them public without incurring general odium, and being denounced as the enemies of their country. In allusion to the motives which prompted the legislature to reject the apprenticeship and adopt immediate emancipation, Dr. N. said, "When we saw that abolition was _inevitable_, we began, to inquire what would be the safest course for getting rid of slavery. _We wished to let ourselves down in the easiest manner possible_--THEREFORE WE CHOSE IMMEDIATE EMANCIPATION!" These were his words. On returning to the hospitable mansion of Mr. Morrish, we had an opportunity of witnessing a custom peculiar to the Moravians. It is called 'speaking.' All the members of the church are required to call on the missionary once a month, and particular days are appropriated to it. They come singly or in small companies, and the minister converses with each individual. Mr. M. manifested great faithfulness in this duty. He was affectionate in manner--entered into all the minutiae of individual and family affairs, and advised with them as a father with his children. We had an opportunity of conversing with some of those who came. We asked one old man what he did on the "First of August?"[A] His reply was, "Massa, we went to church, and tank de Lord for make a we all free." [Footnote A: By this phrase the freed people always understand the 1st of August, 1834, when slavery was abolished.]