First edition. 2 folding maps. 8vo. Contemporary half calf, lightly shelf-worn, black cloth slip case. viii, 377pp. London, John Murray, 1823.
A “plain narrative of whatever may have attracted attention” (Preface). Bird’s account provides a fine overview of the Cape in the 1820’s, with a detailed account of the system of government, courts of law and agriculture. He also describes Cape Town society in a manner by no means complimentary to the Cape Dutch. Mendelssohn, p127; Hosken, p14.