Before commencing my long and interesting tour “up country,” I spent a few most pleasant, days at Cape Town.  My impressions of it, and of its beautiful surroundings, could not fail to be most favourable.  The panoramic view of its approach from Table Bay, at the foot of Table Mountain, is very fine.  The town itself appeared to me much cleaner, and brighter than I expected to see it, although, it must be admitted, there is still considerable room for improvement in its sanitary arrangements, and also in the accommodation, and condition of its hotels, to make them as attractive as they ought to be.  The best of them do not come at all up to our standard at home, nor to our English ideas of comfort and convenience.  A great improvement in these respects, I am satisfied, is not only necessary, but would pay well, and induce a far larger number of visitors to stay at Cape Town, and avail themselves of its attractions of climate, and fine surroundings.

While I was at Cape Town, I visited among other places, the House of Parliament, the Observatory, the South African Museum, the Public Library, the Botanic Gardens, &c.

[Illustration:  Parliament house, Cape town.]

The House of Parliament, which was opened for public use in 1885, is a very handsome building, having a frontage of 264 feet, and is divided into a central portico, leading into the grand vestibule, the two debating chambers, and side pavilions.  The portico, which is of massive dimensions, is approached by a commanding flight of granite steps, which runs round three sides of it.  The pavilions are relieved by groups of pilasters with Corinthian capitals, and are surmounted by domes and ventilators.  The whole of the ground floor up to the level of the main floor has been built of Paarl granite, which is obtained from the neighbouring district of that name.  The upper part of the building is of red brick, relieved by pilasters and window dressing of Portland cement, the effect being very pleasing to the eye.  The interior accommodation for the business of the two Legislative bodies is most complete, and arranged with a careful view to comfort and convenience.  In addition to the Debating Chambers, which are sixty-seven feet in length by thirty-six feet in width, there is a lofty hall of stately appearance, with marble pillars, and tesselated pavement, which forms the central lobby, or grand vestibule.  I might mention, that the debating chambers are only ten feet in length and width less than the British House of Commons.  Adjoining the central lobby is the parliamentary library, a large apartment, with galleries above each other reaching to the full height of the building.  The usual refreshment, luncheon, and smoking rooms have not been forgotten, in connection with the comfort of the members.  The public are accommodated in roomy galleries, and ample provision has been made for ladies, distinguished visitors, and the press.  The portrait of Her Majesty, and the Mace at the table reminds one forcibly of the fact that one is still in a portion of the British Empire.  The total cost of the building, including furniture, was L220,000.