46 
A JOURNEY ROUND AFRICA: 
WITH VISITS TO SOME OF OUR AFRICAN 
DOMINIONS. 
(Illustrated by the Lantern). 
By Professor H. B. DIXON, F.R.S. March 2nd, 1909. 
The journey described by the Lecturer was organised three 
years ago by the British Association. It was an important 
one, inasmuch as it was the first big organised visit since 
the British toops were sent out ; but this was a mission of 
peace, and on the whole it is believed the visit served to 
eradicate some erroneous impressions both of Boers and of 
Britons. The party were certainly treated most hospitably 
and enjoyed a most interesting journey, being shown every- 
thing with the utmost kindness wherever they went. 
Sailing from Southampton in the R.M.S. Saxon, the party 
had a most enjoyable voyage out. They were informed by 
the captain that it was the first time he had carried a 
“ scientific cargo,” and he had never had passengers who 
talked so much or were so little “ put out ” by the Bay 
of Biscay. After a voyage which seemed much too short 
they were received by their hosts at Capetown in a most 
enthusiastic manner. 
Capetown has the appearance of a newly built town, the 
fort built by the Dutch in 1660 being practically the only 
old building. Here are some of the old posting stones at 
which vessels going to India used to leave letters at a spot 
twenty yards or so from the stone, the direction being in- 
dicated by an arrow cut on the stone. We greatly enjoyed 
a drive in a Cape cart round the Table Mountain, through 
groves of eucalyptus trees, and on the way got a glimpse 
of Rhodes’ house and the park containing its collection of 
curious animals. Anemones and masses of arum lilies grow 
wild on Table Mountain. After four days in Capetown 
most of the party sailed round Cape Agulhas, calling at 
Port Fdizabeth and East London. The landing here was 
effected by means of small launches, getting into which is 
by no means an easy task a mile from shore. A noticeable 
feature of the country here is the absence of grass. They 
say that ‘ up country ’ the golf greens are laid with garnets ! 
