Griqualand

Griqualand, the name of two British possessions in South Africa, so called from the Griquas, a mixed race sprung from the Dutch and Hottentots. Griqualand West has formed a part of Cape Colony since 1880. It is bounded by Bechuana Land on the N., the Orange River Free State on the 35., the Kalahari desert on the W., and the Orange River on the S. The diamond-fields have been worked continuously since their discovery in 1867, and are still a source of great wealth. Griqualand East, situated between Kaffraria and Natal, was annexed to Cape Colony in 1875. It is governed by a chief magistrate with nine assistants.