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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 85

Natal

Natal.

800 miles beyond the Cape of Good Hope. One-third the size of England. Population, of whom one-twelfth only are whites, about equal to that of Liverpool.

Climate.—"Climates" would be a more expressive term. From the Drakensberg Mountains, which are the inland boundary of Natal, the ground descends in terraces to the sea coast. Thus we have the "Coast District" at about the sea level, with its Tropical Climate and productions, such as coffee, arrowroot, maize, pine apples, oranges, page 54 lemons, mangoes, peaches, mulberries, cotton, indigo, and tea. The Midlands, which, on account of their greater elevation, have frosts and are not suitable for tropical productions. The Uplands, still higher, suitable for sheep and cattle rearing, and for the growth of wheat and other cereals.

Generally speaking, an increase in altitude above the sea level diminishes the temperature 30 Fahr. for every 1,000 feet. Though on Plateaux or such terraces as we find in Natal, this decrease in temperature is modified, yet this note will explain why these terraces of varied elevations have varied climates, and thus varied productions.

Sugar (See Concrete Sugar).—Which makes good ballast for the wool ships; hence the freight is low, and the cost less to English refiners. Colonists much disturbed by the very perplexing "Bounty question." Capital is driven to the development of other Colonial resources. Is this an evil?

Wool.—Sheep farming has been the most steadily profitable industry. See exhibits of Wool.

Fruits, Jams, Jellies.—Notice exhibits of preserved fruits. Exports in 1880, £599; in 1885, £2,583.

Minerals.—Gold, 1882, £6,500; 1885, £52,000. Coal.—The Coal exhibits cannot possibly escape the eye.

Natural History.—Birds and birds' nests. Notice the Oriole nests. Also the cases of beautiful butterflies and insects. Among the insects the "Praying Mantis." Native Curiosities.—See Sir Donald Currie's Museum.