352 TRAVELS, &c. 
There can be little doubt, therefore, that the Cape of Good 
Hope miglit be rendered essentially useful to the Southern 
Whale Fisherv, so important to the commerce and navigation 
of Great Britain; but that during the war, the same place 
in the possession of an enemy may be the means of obstruct- 
ing this valuable branch of trade even on the opposite coast, 
and must, at all events, render it forced and precarious. 
Having thus endeavoured to state the different points of 
view in which the Cape of Good Hope mav be considered 
of importance to the British nation, from materials faithfully 
collected, and of unquestionable authenticity, the result of 
the whole will, I think, bear me out in this conclusion : — 
That as a naval and military station, connected with the pro- 
tection and the defence of our trade and possessions in India, 
the advantages of tlie Cape are invaluable ; that the policy, 
if practicable, of making it the seat of a free and unrestrained 
commerce is doubtful, even in the hands of England ; that 
it holds out considerable facilities for the encouragement and 
extension of the Southern Whale Fishery ; but that, as a mere 
territorial possession", it is not, in its present state, and pro- 
bably never could become by any regulations, a colony 
worthy of the consideration either of Great Britain or any 
other power. 
FINIS. 
Stiahan and Preston, 
New-Street Square, London. 
