3o6 TRAVELS IN 
The Hippopotamus or fea-cow is now no longer within the 
limits of the colony ; and, though the teeth of this animal are 
confidered as the beft ivory, yet the quantity of it procured was 
always comparatively fmall with that of the elephant. We may 
fafely conclude then, that ivory is not to be reckoned among 
the valuable exports which the Cape can fupply for the markets 
of Europe. 
Tobacco. 
I mention this article not fo much on account of the quantity 
exported, which, indeed, is very trifling, as of the great abun- 
dance the colony is capable of producing. It is impofTible the 
plant can thrive better in any part of the world than in this 
climate, or require lefs attention ; and I have underPcood from 
perfons, qualified to give an opinion on the fubje£t, that the 
Cape tobacco, with a little art in the preparation, is as good in 
every refped; as that of Virginia. As all male perfons, old and 
young, fmoke in the Cape, from the higheft to the loweft, and as 
American tobacco generally bears a high price, the confumption 
of that of native growth is confiderable. The inferior fort is 
ufed by flaves and Hottentots. 
I have now enumerated the moft material articles of export 
which the Cape either does, or eafily might, furiiifli for foreign 
markets. There ftili remain a few trifling things, as preferved 
fruits, garden feeds, fait, vinegar, &c., which, though valuable 
as refrefhments for fhips calling there, are of no confequence as 
exports. The total value of every kind of colonial produce col- 
ledively, 
