It is but of late, that the planters have paid much attention to elegance in their habitations: their general rule was, to build what they call a make-shift; so that it was not unusual to see a plantation adorned with a very expensive set of works, of brick or stone, well executed; and the owner residing in a miserable thatched hovel, hastily put together with wattles and plaister, damp, unwholesome, and infested with every species of vermin. But the houses in general, as well in the country parts as the towns, have been greatly improved within these last twenty years. The furniture of some of them is extremely costly; and others constructed in so magnificent a style, and of such durable materials, as to shew that they were not intended for a mere temporary residence.