Bechuanaland

Bechuanaland, a tract of country in South Africa, inhabited by the various tribes of the Bechuana, Bechwana, or Betjuana nation. It extends from Griqualand West in a northerly direction to the Upper Zambesi, being bounded on the E. by the Limpopo river and Matabililand, and on the W. by Great Namaqua Land and Damara Land. Since 1885, however, the portion of this great region S. of the Molopo river, amounting to 43,000 square miles, has been made a Crown colony, and is known as British Bechuanaland, whilst the sphere of British protection has been extended as far as lat. 22° S. This policy was rendered necessary by the aggressions of the Boers, who, in 1884, tried to establish the republics of Stellaland and Goshen on the territories of Montssioa and Mankaroane, the two native chiefs. Mr. John Mackenzie and Sir Charles Warren materially aided in organising the new colony, the capital of which is Mafeking. The soil is fairly fertile in many places, though timber is deficient. For the rearing of cattle it is highly favourable. Gold and other metals have been found. The climate, somewhat hot in summer but cool in other seasons, and remarkably dry, owing to its elevation of about four thousand feet, is one of the best in Africa.