is so bright and clear, the air is so dry, and the sun is so agreeably warm in the day, although it is cold and frosty at night, that I think it must be as salubrious, as it has been to me most enjoyable.  I found this the case everywhere, especially in the higher altitudes, and on the elevated veldt of the Transvaal.  For myself, I never had an hour’s illness during the whole winter I passed in South Africa; and this I attribute entirely to the purity of the air, and the dryness of the climate.  One thing it is necessary to be cautious about, and I have an impression that it is not sufficiently attended to, and is consequently frequently the cause of illness, and injury.  There is always a sudden great variation of the temperature immediately the sun goes down.  To a sensitive person this is instantly perceptible.  In the afternoon everyone ought to be very careful in guarding against this change; and should be provided with an extra garment to put on at sunset, in order to avoid a dangerous chill.  I strongly advise, also, temperance in the use of alcoholic beverages, which, in my opinion, are far too freely consumed.  I have noticed too much drinking among all classes.  This cannot be necessary, or very conducive to the preservation of health, and the prolongation of life, in a climate like that of South Africa.

It is to be earnestly hoped, that a good, and thoroughly efficient system of sanitary organisation may be speedily established in all the rapidly-growing towns throughout the country, especially in the Transvaal.  Terrible neglect in this respect has been the cause of exceptional sickness, and great mortality in the past, for which the climate is not responsible.  In order, too, to render the undoubted excellencies of the South African climate more attractive to invalids, who ought more largely to avail themselves of its advantages, it would be an excellent thing, as well as undoubtedly a paying speculation, if better hotels, fitted up in all respects with all modern European improvements, were established both at Cape Town, and at all the other principal towns up country, as well.

[Illustration:  Decorative]

[Illustration:  Decorative]

THE NATIVE QUESTION.

The native question is one of the most prominent and difficult ones to deal with in South Africa.  The great preponderance of the native over the white races, and the different theories of treating them prevalent between the English and Dutch, render it one of the most perplexing problems to solve.  The wisest and most experienced people, with whom I have communicated on the subject are of opinion that the natives are so far behind us in civilisation that they must be regarded as mere children.  This means, however, that they are not to be treated harshly, but, on the contrary, with the utmost fairness and justice, and that they must be under the guidance of a controlling and firmly governing hand.  They respect authority, when they have confidence in its being exercised with impartiality.  They have a great deal of natural shrewdness, and they must never be deceived.  Alas!  I heard of frequent instances of this having been done, in times past, by those who have represented the British Government.  Promises have been made to them which have been carelessly broken, and this means ruin to the prestige in their minds of the British name.