CLIMATE OF THE PROVINCE. 
91 
the Congo Caverns,) this notice of the Western 
Province of the Cape, we are constrained to 
say, that, whilst this territory is undoubtedly 
the richest and most fertile surface portion of 
the Colony, we do not consider it to be either 
the best, or the healthiest. On the Eastern 
frontier, the climate is far more enjoyable 
and more equable; less visited by prevalent 
high winds; and with less variation in the 
temperature. The further along the Eastern 
coast the traveller goes, the more forcible this 
remark becomes. We have known sailors of 
delicate health, sailing along this coast, who 
have told us, that, although they were invari- 
ably ill in Table Bay, Mossel Bay, or Simon's 
Bay ; yet when their ships came off the coast of 
Albany, (in the Eastern district of the Colony) 
or neared Kaffirland, they at once recovered 
their energy and elasticity of spirits, and were 
ready and able to endure any hardship. The 
same observation has been made by those who 
have travelled on shore. 
The commercial importance of this province, 
at the present, makes it the best known, and 
most appreciated : but, as the internal resources 
of the continent open out, and become more 
cultivated, we feel fully convinced, that the 
Eastern one will completely supercede it ; and, 
ere long, it will not only equal, but surpass 
