80 
A SKETCH OF CAPE TOWN, 
peaches, almonds, apricots, figs, walnuts, mulberries, quinces, ches- 
nuts, bananas or plantains, and guavas. Strawberries, plumbs, rasp- 
berries, and cherries, are met with only in the gardens of the curious; 
the last has hitherto been found to succeed nowhere but in the divi- 
sion of the Cold Bokkeveld. For gooseberries and currants, the 
climate is considered to be too warm, while, on the other hand, it is 
thought too cold for ananas, mangoes, and most tropical fruits. 
Nearly all the common vegetables of Europe grow here in perfection. 
Wheat and barley are the grain most extensively cultivated ; the 
latter is the corn usually given to horses. A small quantity of rice, 
scarcely worth mentioning, although of a very good quality, is grown 
along the western Elephant's river. 
In Sneeuwberg (Sneeberg) and the Roggeveld, innumerable 
flocks of sheep are reared ; and in these parts of the colony the 
greatest number of horses are bred. Very good soap and butter are 
brought from different districts ; but cheese is rarely made, the milk 
being thought too poor for that purpose. Tobacco is cultivated in 
every part of the colony, and is an article of such universal consump- 
tion, that it may here class among the necessaries of life, but has not 
yet been raised in quantities sufficient for exportation. Brandy, which 
is made from grapes or peaches, may, in regard to the great request 
in which it is held, rank next to tobacco in importance. 
The climate of the Cape is not only pleasant but is very fa- 
vorable to health. Lying in the southern hemisphere, its seasons 
are the reverse of those in Europe ; December and January being 
the hottest months, and June and July the coldest. The sun at noon 
being always in the north, causes the northern side of the mountains 
to be much hotter and dryer than the southern, which differs very 
perceptibly also in verdure, and luxuriance of vegetation. The appear- 
ance of the starry sky is greatly different from that which it presents 
to an observer in Europe ; many constellations are here seen in a re- 
versed position. The well-known stars of Ursa Major are never 
seen at the Cape ; but this loss is well compensated by some constel- 
lations and remarkably beautiful stars which must always remain in- 
visible to the inhabitants of England; particularly Campus^ Achernar, 
