CHAPTER XL 



RHODESIA. 



MY last visit to the vast regions now comprised 

 under this name having taken place in 1879, I 

 cannot pretend to enlighten the reader on subjects 

 connected with the development of the country 

 since it has become a British possession. The 

 acquisition of Rhodesia reflects honour on all 

 concerned in the operation from its conception to 

 its completion ; and whether looked at from a 

 military or administrative standpoint, it is unique 

 in the absence of that increment of blundering 

 stupidity which has generally been so prominent 

 a factor in the conduct of all South African 

 affairs of a prominent character, in which a 

 "native question" has been an integral com- 

 ponent. Indeed, the whole business is not only 

 creditable to the gallant men employed in the 



