The number of hides exported in 1853 was 5,278, and in 1856, 96,218; of sheep and goat skins, 168,708 were exported in 1854; and 766,000 of the same in 1856; showing at once the increase in cattle and sheep.
For many years American flour has been introduced, to supply the wants of the colonists; but lately this importation has almost entirely ceased, owing to greater attention having been paid to the cultivation of the soil, so that the colony has already commenced exporting to the neighbouring wealthy colony of Mauritius; having supplied that island in 1857, with 1,000,000 lbs. of flour, 800,000 lbs. of bran, 1,500 quarters of barley and beans, and 3,116 quarters of oats.
Without fatiguing the general reader with statistics, it may be briefly stated that, while the colony contains 126,930 square miles, or nearly 80,000,000 acres, there are at present only 186,292 acres under cultivation, showing at once its great power of increase.
CHAPTER V.
Further Detention at the Cape—Arrival of the “Frolic” from Mozambique—“John of the Coast”—New Naval Commander-in-Chief—Storm at the Cape—Courage of Cape Boatmen—Destruction of Shipping in Table Bay—Embark in the “Hermes”—Coast of Kaffraria—Well Watered and Beautiful Country.
I have already stated that I had arrived at Cape Town on the last day in the month of January, since which date I had been using my best endeavours to induce the Naval authorities to send me on to Mozambique. But from some inexplicable cause I was detained at the Cape month after month.
At first the Commodore was absent. In about six weeks after my arrival he returned, and a month after that he had not made up his mind which of the steamers of his squadron to send up the Mozambique Channel. Then he intimated to me that it was the unhealthy season on the East Coast of Africa. To this I replied, that all seasons were alike to me, and that it was my duty to reach my Post immediately.
It was then stated that the governor, Sir George Grey, required the steamers. I waited on His Excellency, and found that one steamer was required for the service of the colony, to examine the St. John’s River. I got into the mail cart, and proceeded to Simon’s Town, a distance of twenty-two miles from Cape Town. At the end of my journey, I found that the Commodore wished to wait for the arrival of H.M.S. “Frolic,” from the Mozambique Channel, and that my movements were as uncertain as ever.
The “Frolic” arrived, and in her a passenger from Mozambique, who was sent to officer’s quarters at the naval hospital. I again repaired to Simon’s Town, and found that the Illustrious Señhor from Mozambique had strongly recommended that no ship of war should be sent up the Mozambique Channel at that season, as it was so unhealthy. I was introduced by the Commodore to the Illustrious Señhor, who was recommended to me as a “very good fellow,” a great friend of the English, and one who gave great information relative to the slave trade. The Commodore was pleased to say that the detention which had taken place would be all to my advantage, as I would be accompanied to Mozambique by the Illustrious Señhor, who had merely come to the Cape for the benefit of his health.