2i5 
TRAVELS IN 
The imperfe£l and partial accounts that have been given of 
the Cape may, in feme meafure, explain the jarring and con- 
tradidory opinions that have been held with regard to its im- 
portance, as connected with our Indian trade and fettlements, 
and as a territorial acquifition. This remarkable promontory, 
the doubling of which formed a new sera in the annals of na- 
vigation, and on that account alone ought to be well known, 
has been varioufly reprefented. Whilft fome have held it out 
as a terreftrial paradife, where nature fpontaneoufly yielded all 
that was neceffary, not only for the fupply of the ordinary 
wants and conveniences, but alfo of the luxuries and fuperflui- 
ties of life ; others have defcribed it as a barren peninfular 
promontory, conneded by a fandy ifthmus to a ftill more barren 
continent. 
In this inftance, as in moft cafes, we may, perhaps, difcover 
the truth to lie in the middle. It offers nothing very peculiar, 
either in the produdtive quality of the foil, or in its flerility. 
Where there is moifture the warmth of the climate promotes 
vegetation, without the preparation of an artificial foil by the 
aid of compofts or manures ; hence, one crop of grain in the 
year may be procured from the fhalloweft foil and even in 
llieer fand. But, unfortunately for the country, in the hotted 
months of the year, from the beginning of December to the 
end of March, and fometimes to the middle of April, there 
fcarcely falls a fmgle fliower of rain. In thefe months, the 
verdure totally difappears; and the whole furface of the country 
prefents to the eye either large trads of white fand dotted with 
fhrivelled heaths and other fhrubs, ftruggling as it were to 
maintain 
