296 PORT NATAL. 



whom it was praiseworthy to shoot whenever de- 

 tected within the colonial line of demarkation. Now 

 the annual value of those articles exported from 

 Graham's Town, amounts to no less a sum than 

 33,634/., while our traders are residing in perfect 

 security among the CafFer tribes and other natives 

 of the interior, engaged in carrying on with them a 

 valuable traffic. 



During the last year several persons from Albany 

 have proceeded as far as Natal, to which place 

 the road is now open and direct ; and an Itinerary 

 has been published by the enterprising naturalist and 

 traveller, Dr. A. Smith. 



From every account which has been received re- 

 rpecting this place, it would appear consonant with 

 sound policy, for the British government to take 

 possession of the country round the port, and to form 

 there a settlement for the protection of commerce, 

 as well as with a view to shut out dangerous in- 

 truders who might hereafter have the means of inter- 

 cepting, if not of entirely ruining, our internal trade. 

 The country produces abundance of cattle, and ivory, 

 and is very populous. The soil is of the most fertile 

 description — well watered, and the climate is healthy. 

 The harbour affords entrance to vessels drawing 

 thirteen feet water, and is perfectly sheltered from 

 the prevailing winds ; and being situated, in a direct 

 route to India, and within a short run of the Mau- 

 ritius, Port Elizabeth and Table Bay, facilities are 



