AFRICA. 95 
the rank of an under merchant : his falary is 
moderate ; but his place brings him a great 
deal, by the trade which he carries on with 
foreign veflels. When he purchafes their 
goods, he fends them to the town to be 
refold ; and he fometlmes finds means to 
difpofe of them at five times their original 
value. 
Clofe to the fliore of the bay there are a 
great number of warehoufes, in which pro- 
vifions are depofited for the ufe of the Eafl- 
India Company's fhips. A very beautiful 
tofpital has been likewife erefted here for 
the crews, and a commodious houfe for the 
governor, who generally comes hither and 
Ipends a few days while the fhips are lying 
in the bay. Commerce draws hither alfo a 
great number of individuals from the Cape, 
who furnifh the officers with lodgings. Whilft 
the latter are here, the bay is extremely 
lively: but as foon as the feafon permits 
them to heave up their anchors, it becomes 
a defart; every one decamps; and its only 
inhabitants are a company of the garrifon, 
who are relieved every two months. The 
TefFels which arrive then, and have need of 
provifions, 
