332 THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMPANY. 



in the iron-works of my waggons that would have 

 done no discredit to the ordinary run of our black- 

 smiths. Many of the Mashona race in the capacity 

 of labourers have visited the Diamond field, and as 

 they are both an intelligent and observing people, 

 have no doubt benefited in mechanical knowledge by 

 these trips. 



The climate of the country is healthy and agree- 

 able, and is remarkably equable throughout the year. 

 The rainy seasons are ample and regular, while dust 

 storms the curse of the colony of the Cape of Good 

 Hope are quite unknown. 



I consider that Portugal had not an atom of a right 

 when she made claim to this country ; but why her 

 pretensions were entertained for a moment by our 

 Premier, is just one of those cases that " a fellah does 

 not understand/' However, there doubtless was 

 some political reason that caused his apparently 

 knock-under conduct. 



I believe it is intended, in the near future, to con- 

 nect Mashonaland with Bechuanaland by railroad. 

 When such is done it will be within easy access of 

 the old colony. Where the money will come from 

 to complete such an undertaking I cannot say, but 

 they have a way of their own in South Africa for 

 finding funds for such undertakings. It is quite pro- 

 bable that the output of gold for this year will exceed 

 3,ooo,ooo/. from the Transvaal alone. Now, that 

 enlightened country, in my humble belief, is not a 

 patch upon Mashonaland in the possession of that 

 valuable metal. If I am correct in my surmises, 

 capital to build a railroad to so wealthy a country 

 will not have long to be begged for. 



I fear that it is getting late in the day to seek for 

 employment in the South African Company ; how- 

 ever, those wishing to link their fortunes with it 

 should make application at once. There could not, 

 in my opinion, be a better opening for the sons of 



