Memoir of Sir Andrew Smith, by Alex. Michie. 35 



collection of objects of natural history contained many valued 

 treasures ; which, on the formation of the museum in connection 

 with the South African Institution, were presented by him for ex- 

 hibition there. From the first, Dr Smith took great interest in 

 the prosperity of that institution, and, by his exertions, con- 

 tributed greatly to its success. From time to time the result of 

 his observations on the zoology of the country, embodied in 

 papers, were read at the meetings, and published in the Quarterly 

 Journal. 



In 1824, Dr Smith was sent by Lord Charles Somerset, the 

 Governor, on a mission into Kaffirland, and while there, in 

 that and the following year, he had much intercourse with Gaika 

 and other chiefs of note. His manly, upright dealings, gained 

 the confidence of the people, and his unceasing efforts, as a 

 medical man, to relieve their sufferings, obtained the love and 

 gratitude of all. 



In 1828, owing to the existence of great dissatisfaction on the 

 northern border of the colony, in consequence of the marauding 

 practices of the Bushmen of the Orange river, Dr Smith was 

 commissioned by Sir R. Bourke (who had succeeded Lord Chas. 

 Somerset) to proceed thither to obtain information regarding 

 their views, and ascertain from them, whether the policy of the 

 Government was correctly understood and appreciated. His re- 

 port recommended several changes, some of which were adopted 

 with good results. One of the fruits of this journey was the pub- 

 lication, at Capetown, of his " Origin and History of the Bush- 

 men," which was afterwards translated into the French, German, 

 and other languages. 



In consequence of the exterminating wars of Chaka, the Zulu 

 potentate, having depopulated the well-watered and fertile dis- 

 trict for a considerable distance around Port Natal, a district 

 more favoured by Nature than any other in South Africa, a strong 

 desire was evinced by the inhabitants of the Cape that it should 

 be opened up for colonization. In 1830 it was decided by Sir 

 Lowry Cole, the new Governor, to send Dr Smith to examine the 

 country, and report the result of his observations. This was a 

 service of no little danger, owing to the ferocious character of 

 Dingaan, the brother and successor of Chaka ; and also to the 

 treacherous and barbarous massacre of Lieut. Farewell, and 

 seven of his party, the previous year, when on their way to Port 



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