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MY WAGON.
A
WINTER TOUR
IN
SOUTH AFRICA
BY
SIR FREDERICK YOUNG, K.C.M.G.
(Reprinted by permission from the Proceedings of the Royal ColonialInstitute, with large additions, Illustrations, and a Map.)
LONDON:
E.A. PETHERICK & CO., 33, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.
1890.
TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS LOUISE, MARCHIONESS OF LORNE,
This Volume, describing a recent tour, during which
a large portion of Her Majesty's magnificent
Dominions in South Africa were traversed,
is, by gracious permission, dedicated
with feelings of sincere
respect.
INTRODUCTION.
The growth of the great Colonies of the British Empire is so phenomenal,and their development is so rapid, and remarkable, that if we are topossess a correct knowledge of their actual state, and condition, fromyear to year, their current history requires to be constantlyre-written.
The writer of a decade since, is, to-day, almost obsolete. He has onlyproduced a current record of facts, and places, at the period he wrote.This is especially the case with South Africa.
I have recently returned from a very interesting tour in that remarkablecountry. My impressions were noted down, as they occurred, from day today. A summary of my observations,Pg viii. and of the incidents, in connectionwith my journey, was the subject of a Paper I read at the openingmeeting of the present Session of the Royal Colonial Institute, on the12th of November last. I wish it to be understood that the opinionsexpressed on that occasion were my own, and that the Institute as a bodyis in no way responsible for them. This Paper has formed the outline ofthe volume, which—with much new matter from my note book—I now offerto the public, in the belief, that the narrative of a traveller, simplyseeking instruction, as well as amusement, from a few months tour, whiletraversing some 12,000 miles by sea, and 4,000 miles by land, throughthe wonderful country in which he lately roamed, might prove of someuse, in awakening additional interest on the part of the general public,to one of the most promising, and valuable portions of the ColonialEmpire.
In this spirit, I offer my "Winter Tour in South Africa," to mycountrymen, "at home and beyond the seas," in the hope that it mayreceive from them, a favourable reception.
On the "Political Situation," I have spoken strongly and frankly, I hopenot too much so. The result of my personal observations has convincedme, that I have only correctly expressed the opinions, very widelyentertained by large classes of Her Maje