SOUTHERN AFRICA. 457 
the favorable situation of their country to an extended com- 
merce u'ith India, they would find it extremely inconvenient 
to be obliged to relinquish the accommodation of refreshing 
their crews, and disposing of part of their cargoes, at the Cape 
of Good Hope ; from whence, indeed, in case of any rupture, 
their trade might, at any time, be completely checked, a cir- 
cumstance which would operate as a security for the pre- 
servation of amity and a good understanding with that com- 
mercial nation. Had we, indeed, been fortunate enough to 
have retained this settlement, there is every reason to believe 
the indulo-encies granted to their trade here mia;ht have been 
an important consideration with them, in the renewal of a 
commercial treaty with England. 
After what has been stated with regard to the healthiness 
of the climate, exemplified in the small degree of mortality 
among the troops, and in the vigor and stability that their 
constitutions acquired, it is scarcely necessary to add that the 
same salutary effects equally prevailed in the tiavy on this 
station. The mortality, indeed, among the seamen, was still 
less, probably on account of their being less exposed to the 
summer heats, and to their having fewer opportunities of com- 
mitting irregularities. There was generally a difference of 
six or eight degrees in the temperature of the bay and the 
town. When the thermometer, for instance, in Cape Town 
was at 84°, it stood no higher than 76° on board the ships in 
Table Bay. 
The moderate expence at which a fleet can here be main- 
tained is, likewise, an advantage not to be overlooked. The 
VOL. II. L L 
