SOUTHERN AFRICA, 
321 
CHAP. IV. 
Importance of the Cape of Good Hope, confidered as a Naval 
Station. 
Cmparative fmall Space occupied by the Brit'ijh IJlands— their Weight among Nations- 
accounted for. — Commerce the Source of Britifli Wealth.— Precarioufnefs of the mere 
Carrying-trade. — Colonies improve Navigation. — CharaBer of French Seamen— ef 
Dutch Seamen.— Treatment on board their own Ships. — Mortality. — The Cape ns^ 
cejfary to the Dutch Trade to India — an intermediate Port jlefir able to other Nations 
— leaf Jo to England — Rcafons of it. — Incidents to which maritime TranfaBions are 
liable make friendly Ports always defirable. — Convenience of the Cape. — Portugueze 
the firf Viftors — then the Englijh and Dutch — taken Pojfejfion of by the latter — ex- 
tend their Territory beyond the original Intention — Impediments thrown by the Com- 
pany — Willingnejs to part with it. — Advantages as a Naval Station^ not confined ts 
the Supply of Refrejl^ments ~ Refort for Ships in Diflrefs—the Countefs of Suther- 
land Itidiaman. — Cape proper for affemhling Convoys — Provifions to be procured.— 
Importance as commanding the Entrance of the Indian Seas. — I/les of France and 
Bourbon dependent on the Cape. — France unable to difurb India without a Fleet. — • 
Trade of India fubjeB to the Majlers of the Cape — Healthinefs of the Climate for 
Seamen. — Moderate Exp e nee of fubfifiing a Fleet — Sailors' Ration of fref} Provifions 
— Brandy cheaper than Wef India Rum — Confumption of colonial Produce by the 
Fleet — about one-fourth of the ufual Expence — Wear and Tear of the Ships confiderabte. 
Importance of the geographical Pofttion of the Cape — commanding a fpeedy Inter- 
eourfe with mof Parts of the World. - Difadvantages to Britain in the Hands of an 
Enemy.— -Three Points of Annoyance to our Trade comparative Danger of ths 
outward and homeward bound Pajfages—that of pajftng the Straits of Suuda — of 
Manilla — of L'Aguillas I^ank - of Saint Helena Ineficacy of Convoys , —Difference 
of Circumjlances betvjeen this and the American War.—Prefent Aim of France. — 
Ths 
