Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1873 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. CAPETOWN TO THE FIELDS. Routes to the diamond fields--From Capetown--From Port Elizabeth--From Natal--The Cape cart--The waggon--Arrival of the Cambrian--Wellington--The free lovers or vederdoopers--Start for the Fields--Our conveyance--Bain's Kloof--Scenery--Curious accident--Mitchell's Kloof--Ceres--Conradin's outspan--My fellow-passengers--The Karoo Port--Rumours of gold--Mr. Dunn--The Karoo--The Gouff--Tramps--An exhibition of diamonds--Beaufort West--Ostrich fanning--Victoria--Night adventure--Hopetown--The Orange River--Pniel. XT EITHER at this time, nor on my return, did I see enough of Capetown and its society to justify criticism. It appears to be a pleasant city, well built and commodious in the more bustling parts, and not devoid of a quaint comeliness in its byeplaces. There is mighty little of the picturesque, even about the most ancient streets--or, if there be anything of the sort, it didn't catch my eye. Some old Dutch houses there are, distinguishable chiefly by a superlative flatness, and an extra allowance of windows. The population is about 30,000 souls, white, black, and mixed. I should incline to think that more than half fall into the third category. They seem to be hospitable and goodnatured in all classes. I have none but pleasant memories of Capetown. There is complaint of slowness, indecision, and general "want of go" about the place. Dutch blood is said to be still too apparent in business, in local government, and in society. I suppose there is sound basis for these accusations, since trade is migrating so rapidly towards the rival mart of Port Elizabeth, that a change of the seat of government is seriously contemplated. But ten years ago the entire export of wool passed through Capetown. Last...
