Numbered 375 of a limited edition of only 750 copies. 1966 facsimile reprint hardcover with 380 pages in very good condition. The dust jacket has some slight wear to the top edge.T

he volume was written anonymously under the signature of 'A Civil Servant of the Colony'. The author, a public official, had opportunities of inspecting Government papers, estimates, and statistics, and with regard to these matters, the volume may be taken to accurately represent the position of the Cape colony at this period. Full particulars are given with reference to the system of Government, Courts of Law, and Burgher Senate, the 'enregisterment of slaves', together with notes upon agriculture, viticulture, whale-fishing, &c. &c. There is an interesting description of Cape town, and 'of the manners, customs, and habits of its people'. the remarks are by no means uniformly complimentary to the Dutch inhabitants, and reflect in a curious light the somewhat primitive state of the majority of the population.' [Mendelssohn].