4:96 Foreign Notices : — > Africa. 



only arise from inexperience ; and may be excused from observing the 

 treatment of the slaves and convicts in Cape Town. I hate the services 

 of either, but here at present it is a necessary evil. 



As you are anxious to collect general information on any thing con- 

 nected with emigration, allow me to recommend to your perusal the Times 

 newspaper of the 6th of January, 1821, where you will find a paper of my 

 worthy and much esteemed friend G. von Langsdorf What that gentleman 

 writes you may depend upon for accuracy and true philanthropic feeling. 



It is perhaps necc^ary to observe more explicitly, that the government 

 here has no large and valuable tracts of land to give away near to the 

 immediate markets, and, if they had, I do not see what just claim the bulk 

 of emigrants from Great Britain has to such gifts, or whether it is advisable 

 to grant to artisans that which is of little use to them. As an esta- 

 blished colony, the Cape is able to support a much larger population than 

 it contains at present ; as a proof of which, I need only remind 30U of the 

 circumstance of six thousand persons finding an asylum here, few of whom 

 were independent : they certainly met with difficulties at first, which, how- 

 ever, generally speaking, proved temporary. If it is only to gain a grant 

 of land the emigrant quits Great Britain, I should advise him to go to 

 Australia, or elsewhere. I do not wish to see the effects of the rural 

 abilities of many who, calling themselves farmers or gardeners, exhibit 

 proofs of then- ignorance here, and must suffer for their obstinacy in a 

 climate to which they are strangers. You must be a judge of the labour 

 and outlay in bringing in new land, the tardy returns, and then, a market ! 



Gardeners are wanted here or perhaps a system of gardening ; but a 

 century or two must pass away, before a professed gardener will meet 

 with due encouragement, or be respected as his abDities and behaviour 

 deserve. There is no settled nobility or gentry here that know how to 

 appreciate the value of such a confidential servant. At present he may 

 claim, but he cannot receive, any higher consideration than is conferred 

 upon an ignorant slave, and perhaps not so much. Such is the force of 

 custom, and the ease with which a few common vegetables are produced 

 here, that the generality of those who have country houses are satisfied 

 without attempting necessary improvements. The labouring gardener in 

 England can enjoy himself much better than the few gardeners that are 

 here, who may be considered as isolated beings, having no intelligent com- 

 panions to associate with for instruction or amusement, fitting their station 

 and calling in life. 



To persons who enjoy a moderate income, and choose to emigrate, the 

 means of education for their children is a matter of consideration. A pub- 

 lic academy, or college as it is called here, has been established ; and one 

 or two classical private schools, also, are now in repute in Cape Town. 

 Several ladies' schools, of various pretensions, have lately been com- 

 menced, and every kind of useful and elegant acquirements may be ob- 

 tained, without the disagreeable necessity of sending the children to Europe. 

 Public amusements are few : during the winter months, Dutch and English 

 plays are performed by amateur companies, as are also concerts. Horse- 

 racing in spring and autumn. The domestic and select circles of private 

 families are greatly advancing, and a general good feeling appears to pre- 

 vail. The periodicals are, two newspapers, once and twice a week; a 

 literary gazette edited by a liberal-minded and talented individual ; and the 

 South African Qum-terli/ Journal, promising to be a valuable auxiliary to 

 the South African Institution, if well supported. Religious toleration is 

 sufficiently liberal ; and a kindly feeling appears to exist in persons of dif- 

 ferent denominations, as none seem to despise or calumniate the others, 

 and all appear anxious and ready with mutual assistance. Several liberal 

 and useful institutions are supported for the instruction, &c., of the lower 

 classes, both bond and free. — J. B. 



