A SETTLER’S GUIDE TO THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE AND COLONY OF NATAL

First edition: 230 pages, + 2 pages publisher’s catalogue, folding coloured map as frontispiece, book plate on front paste down end paper, brown cloth boards, titled gilt on the upper cover, a very good copy.

Mendelssohn (Sidney) South African Bibliography volume 1 page 760: This volume was compiled with the object of affording information to intending emigrants to the Cape Colony, whose Government and Legislature were, at this period, endeavouring to promote " an immigration of settlers upon a system peculiarly organised." The plan of the colonial authorities was to take especial care in " the selection of the classes and individuals sent out," who had the benefits of a free passage and a hospitable reception, while due care was taken " in satisfactorily establishing them on their arrival." Much of the information afforded was derived from the answers to circular letters sent by Mr. Irons to " persons of station and intelligence in the several districts, and containing a series of questions calculated to ascertain the state of affairs as regards the prospects of successful immigration." Full particulars are given of the Cape Colony (including detailed accounts of Cape Town), the Eastern and Western Districts, and the extra colonial territories, and about twenty pages are devoted to a description of Natal.