I was struck with the admirable arrangement of the stables, constructed for twenty horses, and of the cow and cattle sheds.  All the engineering works also show evidences of the complete knowledge of science possessed by the “brothers,” and their energetic leader.  I came away much interested, and wonderfully impressed with all I had seen in this remarkable institution.

Up to the present time the defences of the Colony have been in a very backward state but I was glad to find that a battery is in course of construction, commanding the entrance to the Bay, which is to be armed with guns of the latest pattern, one of them having recently arrived at Durban.

Having passed ten very pleasant days at Durban and its neighbourhood, I embarked, on the 15th of August, on board the coasting steamer, Anglian, for Port Elizabeth.  I had a terrible experience of the annoyance of the present mode of embarking passengers at Durban.  After attempting to get over the Bar in a tremendous sea, we were obliged to put back into the Harbour thoroughly drenched.  Once more attempting it, we succeeded after another good wetting in getting alongside the Anglian, where we remained at anchor until the morning, waiting for the Cargo Boat we were obliged to leave behind, rolling and pitching all night.  The eastern coast of South Africa is subject to weather which is often very rough and stormy; and I was, unluckily, destined to experience it.  I certainly had a most disagreeable time, in making this short voyage.  After touching at East London, where extensive harbour works are being constructed, I was landed at Port Elizabeth (after three days’ knocking about at sea) on the 18th, being let down, like St. Paul, in a basket, from the deck of the Anglian to the tug, which took me to the pier in the open roadstead.  Right glad was I to get on terra firma again.

[Illustration:  Decorative]

PORT ELIZABETH.

Port Elizabeth (Algoa Bay) which is generally known as the “Liverpool” of South Africa, is the chief seaport of the Eastern Province, its trade being steadily increased by the development of the Transvaal Gold Fields, and the growth of the interior towns of the Cape Colony.  It is a thriving business town.  Its inhabitants, like those of Natal, are thoroughly energetic and active in the pursuit of their various mercantile avocations, and number about 12,000, a large proportion being Europeans.

The town contains many fine buildings, the most conspicuous being the Town Hall and Public Library combined, which is a striking edifice, erected at a cost of L26,000.  Attached to it is the market, leading out of which is a splendid and capacious hall, 180 feet long by 90 feet broad.  Here I saw a curious and unique scene.  Long tables were extended along its entire length, on which were arranged large heaps of ostrich feathers, carefully tied up, and sampled for sale.  Port Elizabeth is the staple market for this industry.  The value of the feathers I saw, I was told, was something fabulous.