On a typical 18th century sugar plantation was divided into several sections each for their own different purpose. A portion was used for the cane fields, pastures, woodlands, provision grounds, work yards and living quarters for managers and labour. According to Claypole and
Robottom, most plantations had from three to live cane fields each surrounded by a closely trimmed hedge or stone wall to keep out cattle. Each year one was generally left fallow another grows a second crop of rations and the others were planted with new canes. Each field was divided by narrow roads into smaller square plots of 6-9 hectares. This made it easier for the overseer to control the rate of the slave gangs’ work and to organize the movement of cut cane to the wok yard. [Caribbean Story Book 1 3rd Editionp.96]. “The sugar work yard consisted of the mill, boiling house, curing house, distillery, trash house and workshops for skilled craftsmen like black smith and carpenters”[A Study and Revision Guide for CXC Caribbean History p.35], stood in the middle of the cane fields. The factory buildings were closely positioned to prevent having to travel far distance from one place to another. Woodland was a very essential source on the plantation site. It hold many uses. According to Hamilton-Willie, The woodland provided lumber for building purposes, as well as fuel for the boilers, and for cooking. . [A study and
Revision Guide for CXC Caribbean History p. 35]. Provision grounds for slaves were of great importance to them because it gave them a status under slavery as it was considered an asset. The slaves’ provisions were depended on by whites and others unassociated with the estate, for food. The vegetable gardens also provided food for the white people on the estates. Water was used for three main purposes. Plan by author, 2004. Rivers, wells and