1831.] 
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. 
77 
tlement of ten years' standing, certainly bespeaks great pros- 
perity. 
In the neighbouring district of Graaf Rainet, the number of in- 
habitants is fourteen thousand five hundred. The climate is equal 
in salubrity to any part of the colony ; and, like Albany, is most 
favourable to grazing. In the year 1830, it had three thousand 
nine hundred and forty-one saddle and wagon horses ; five thou- 
sand four hundred and forty-four breeding mares ; eleven thou- 
sand five hundred and ninety-three oxen ; fifty-two thousand one 
hundred and fifteen breeding cattle ; three thousand Spanish 
sheep; nine hundred and seven thousand two hundred and sixty- 
seven colonial sheep ; and fifteen thousand goats. 
Such are the features presented by the several districts com- 
posing the present colony of the Cape of Good Hope. We have 
given this sketch somewhat more in detail, because the subject* 
appeared to possess much interest, and will at least be new to 
the generality of American readers. The delay of the Potomac 
at the Cape did not allow these remarks to be made from personal 
observation ; but it did allow time to see much evidence of the 
prosperity here spoken of, and of acquiring the materials from 
which the picture has been drawn. 
By casting an eye over the map of the world, it will be seen 
that the Cape of Good Hope occupies a commanding position. 
From Brazil and Buenos Ayres, the distance may be run in a 
month ; while to the 'Dutch colonies of Surinam, Berbice, and 
Essequibo, it will not occupy more than six weeks. To the Red 
Sea, Cororaandel, and Malabar, the voyage may be performed in 
two months. 
Halfway from Europe to India, it forms a fine refreshing point 
for vessels engaged in the commerce of the east. During the 
year 1829, no less than two hundred and fifty-one vessels had 
entered the ports of the colony, the greater portion in Table Bay; 
amounting to seventy-three thousand two hundred and sixteen 
tons of shipping, and giving employment to five thousand and 
sixty-two seamen. The trade from the colony itself to England 
is important, considering that it does not contain more than one 
hundred and forty thousand free inhabitants. The following 
table shows how this population is distributed among the several 
districts : — 
