280 THE DEVELOPMENT OF RHODESIA. 



tilde of which varies from 3,000 to 5,000 feet. One or two points may 

 be chosen to indicate relative heights. The Zambezi at the confluence 

 of the Luangwa Kiver is 780 feet above sea level, and at the Victoria 

 Falls it is 2,850 feet ; Lake Tanganyika is 2,680 feet ; the altitude of 

 Salisbury is 4,800 feet, and Maranclellas, which is 5,000 feet above 

 sea level and 45 miles from Salisbury, is the highest point on the 

 railway between Salisbury and the coast; Bulawayo is 4,250 feet; 

 Fort Jameson 3,G00 feet; Fife 5,400 feet. Hhodesia belongs to 

 several hyclrographic systems — the Zambezi, the Kongo, the Sabi, and 

 the Limpopo. 



Although the whole of Ehodesia falls within the Tropics, its cli- 

 mate is modified by its altitude, and as a very considerable part of it 

 is above 3,000 feet it maj^ thereby be regarded as a white man's coun- 

 try and well fitted not only for British residence, but for British col- 

 onization. It has been estimated that in Southern Rhodesia alone 

 there are 100,000 square miles above 3,000 feet with a suitable climate 

 for Euroi)eans, and 26,000 square miles above 4,000 feet where the 

 average temperature allows European children to be born and bred. 

 The year is divided into two parts, according to the rainfall — a wet 

 and a dry season. The wet season begins about the end of October 

 and terminates about the end of April. From May to September 

 there is little or no rain, and this period — the Ehodesian dry season — 

 is the best time to arrive. 



The economic possibilities of Rhodesia are manifold and immense. 

 To develop this potential wealth has been the aim of the British 

 South Africa Company. When the company was formed the chief 

 and virtually prescribed objects of its administration were to extend 

 northward the raihvay and telegraphic systems of the Cape Colony 

 and Bechuanaland; to encourage immigration and colonization; to 

 promote trade and commerce ; to develop and work mineral and other 

 concessions. 



The fame of gold and other mineral wealth has been associated 

 with this part of Africa since the most, ancient times. Many old 

 workings have been found, and these have facilitated modern pros- 

 pecting. In Southern Rhodesia gold fields have been discovered 

 both in Matabeleland and Mashonaland — chiefly in the Bulawayo, 

 Gwelo, Salisbury, Umtali, and Mazoe districts. The development of 

 the gold fields has been frequently interrupted, but considerable 

 advance has been made, as may be seen from the progressive output. 

 In 1898 the output amounted to 16,706 ounces; in 1809, 56,742 ounces; 

 in 1900, 85,366 ounces; in 1901, 172,035 ounces; in 1902, 194,170 

 ounces, and in 1903, 231,872 ounces. Copper has been discovered in 

 both Northern and Southern Rhodesia. In Southern Rhodesia it is 

 found in Victoria, Melsetter, Lo Mogundi, and Mafungabusi districts; 

 in Northern Rhodesia on the Kafue River and on the borders of the 



