On the mountain top here I have discovered Pelargonium Bowkeri Harv: hitherto only known in the Transkeian country.² This & various other observations lead me to believe that these inland mountain spurs detached mountain tops & valleys are islands of a former coast flora & fauna, but I will say more of this towards the conclusion.

I have received some answers from M^r. J H Bowker to your questions.³

A Kafir⁴ on being asked whether he thought East London was as fine a place as King Williamstown made a distinct “Achg!” like incipient vomiting, far more distinctly than any European could.⁵

Kafirs when in grief place their hands especially the women on their heads. They likewise do so to express surprise. They also place one hand on the chin & mouth in grief.

While in the magistrate’s court a short while ago I observed Christian Gaika listening attentively to a Kafir case. His chin was stretched forward & his forehead wrinkled up with the eyes rather prominent & directed forward & upward towards the witness box.

I had occasion whilst in Kafir land⁶ to chastise a servant, who had care of my horse for allowing the headstall to be stolen. Although not guilty himself I am convinced he knew who had taken it.

The women give way to grief very violently but not for a very long period. I noticed this the case of a young woman, Goondoo, who died from catching cold after child birth from gastric fever. Her sister Umfazi wept copiously; but as she, Goondoo, was very delirious before death none of the women would nurse her, but placed food in the hut.

You speak sanguinely about the civilization of the natives, & the fact that Christian Gaika can write.⁷ This appears to me an error into which most people in England fall, & I trust you will not think it unnecessary if I make some comments thereon.

Although by no means desirous of running down Missionary work, I must own that in my opinion their teaching is to little effect.

The principles on which they work—excepting always the Moravians & some others⁸—is almost purely an appeal to the emotions, & the longer a Kafir has been on a Mission Station the worse servant he is.

There is little or no attempt at inculcating by precept & habit either industry or economy. I have had occasion to visit some of the stations—one conducted by a very kind hearted & well meaning man, as far as I could see the Rev^d. M^r. Philip of Hankey⁹—& I