from the accounts given of them by travellers, who have taken but a transient view of things, than the case of the Hottentots, viz. those several nations of Negroes who inhabit the most southern part of Africa:  these people are represented by several authors, who appear to have very much copied their relations one from the other, as so savage and barbarous as to have little of human, but the shape:  but these accounts are strongly contradicted by others, particularly Peter Kolben, who has given a circumstantial relation of the disposition and manners of those people.[A] He was a man of learning, sent from the court of Prussia solely to make astronomical and natural observations there; and having no interest in the slavery of the Negroes, had not the same inducement as most other relators had, to misrepresent the natives of Africa.  He resided eight years at and about the Cape of Good Hope, during which time he examined with great care into the customs, manners, and opinions of the Hottentots; whence he sets these people in a quite different light from what they appeared in former authors, whom he corrects, and blames for the falsehoods they have wantonly told of them.  At p. 61, he says, “The details we have in several authors, are for the most part made up of inventions and hearsays, which generally prove false.”  Nevertheless, he allows they are justly to be blamed for their sloth.—­The love of liberty and indolence is their all; compulsion is death to them.  While necessity obliges them to work, they are very tractable, obedient, and faithful; but when they have got enough to satisfy the present want, they are deaf to all further intreaty.  He also faults them for their nastiness, the effect of sloth; and for their love of drink, and the practice of some unnatural customs, which long use has established amongst them; which, nevertheless, from the general good disposition of these people, there is great reason to believe they might be persuaded to refrain from, if a truly christian care had been extended towards them.  He says, “They are eminently distinguished by many virtues, as their mutual benevolence, friendship, and hospitality; they breathe kindness and good will to one another, and seek all opportunities of obliging.  Is a Hottentot’s assistance required by one of his countrymen? he runs to give it.  Is his advice asked? he gives it with sincerity.  Is his countryman in want? he relieves him to the utmost of his power.”  Their hospitality extends even to European strangers:  in travelling thro’ the Cape countries, you meet with a chearful and open reception, in whatsoever village you come to.  In short, he says, page 339, “The integrity of the Hottentots, their strictness and celerity in the execution of justice, and their charity, are equalled by few nations. In alliances, their word is sacred; there being hardly any thing they look upon as a fouler crime than breach of engagements.  Theft and adultery they punish with death.”  They firmly