Foreign Notices ; — Africa. 495 



and other free persons of colour must be regretted, but, under existing 

 laws, cannot be controlled effectually : this circumstance gives rise to much 

 discussion and angry feelings, at all times to be deplored. 



In Graham's Town and Graaf Reinet, horticultural and agricultural 

 societies have been established, and, from the nature of the communica- 

 tions I have received from them, I anticipate much improvement to the 

 circumstances of the colony. At Uitenhage a similar institution is formed. 



From the enterprising spirit of research and speculation which has actu- 

 ated several private individuals of the Albany district who have penetrated 

 far into the interior, a new and great field is opened for commerce and 

 farther discoveries, and also for the work of civilisation by missionaries, 

 whose labours are far more valuable in those countries than they can be 

 within the boundaries of the colony. The persevering labours of Mr. 

 Moffat at Littakum reflect the highest credit upon himself^ and will greatly 

 atone for the backslidings of others professing the same intent. 



I understand that an account of some of the abovementioned journeys 

 will shortly be published ; but it is much to be regretted that several of 

 those praiseworthy travellers have fallen victims to their exertions, or, to 

 the disgrace of the British government, have accomplished their views 

 without its assistance, although such enterprise must, and does eventually, 

 tend to the aggrandisement and emolument of the empire at large. 



No British colony feels the severity of the East India Company's mono-, 

 poly more than the Cape of Good Hope ; and, although much difficulty and 

 ensuing ruin would be the lot of many speculating individuals should the 

 China trade be thrown open, yet it is a measure which the Cape merchants 

 and others look forward to with the most flattering hopes. The policy 

 which the East India Company has exercised towards this colony has been 

 erroneous ; for in the endeavour to depress the energies of the Cape mer- 

 chants, and to depreciate the value of the colony in the eyes of the legis- 

 lature, they have provoked an opposition to the Company's monopoly, and 

 called into action no small share of talent hitherto dormant. The pro- 

 hibition of the Company's ships from refreshing at the Cape can only serve 

 to enrich a few individuals at St. Helena, and at most serve the directors 

 as a cloak for the thriftless pensions created by that island or its services. 

 One would suppose that the Cape might at least fiu-nish wheat or flour 

 sufficient for that spot ; but it appears that English flour alone agrees with 

 the palates of its inhabitants. 



From the above unconnected notes I think you may gather sufficient 

 argument to recommend the Cape to respectable emigrants, in preference 

 to America or Australia. Here they would find more comfort in general 

 than in the mixed and disagreeable society of those countries. I would 

 recommend the perusal of Widdowson's Van Dievien^s Land to every one 

 who chooses to emigrate ; what he says respecting domestic servants is 

 applicable to all colonies. With regard to outfit, British manufactures are 

 cheaper here than an emigrant can bring a small investment out for. 

 Children from twelve to fourteen years of age would make the best ser- 

 vants ; and I have an idea that they would, under good management, form 

 in a few years a respectable class of working society, and in time serve to 

 exterminate slavery, and create a lasting benefit to the colony, by bringing 

 the Malay and coloured population to their proper feeling. At present 

 their insolence is provoking, and borders on rebellion, especially among the 

 slaves ; forming the source of much inconvenience. 



I have had much conversation with several persons who have been to 

 Swan River, some of whom are settling here, and appear to be so far 

 satisfied : others, who could compass it, have returned to England. Then- 

 accounts of the new settlement vary, but all agree in the want of slaves 

 or convicts to perform their drudgery. It is somewhat strange that those 

 persons so lately from England should desire such servants ; the wish cam 



