KAFFRARIA, PROPER on INDEPENDENT: The general designation of Kaffraria was formerly applied to the whole of the coast region of South Africa e. of the Great Fish river, and extending as far n. as Sofala, it is now limited to a comparatively small tract running parallel to the coast at a distance of about 80 m. from it, between the e. frontier of the Cape Colony and Natal, and comprising an area of about 5.000 sq. in., lying between the Great Kei and Emzimenlu rivers. The country between this and the Quathlamba mountains is now occupied by Kaffir tribes who have submitted to British authority.
Kaffraria is drained by the Great Kci, the Umzhnvoobo or St. John's river, and its fan-like branches, the TSetse and Tenn, which rise in the Quathlamba, the Umzimeulu. Umtata, Umbashee, and several other streams with short courses, which rise in a high escarpment or ridge, forming a sort of buttress to an grassy but woodlesi plateau, which extends along the foot of the mountains at a height of about 2.500 ft. above the sea. The rivers, especially near the coast, run through deep worded kluofs. sunk below the level of the ;surrounding country, and none of them arc navigable. The coast generally is rocky and dangerous, and should not be approached closer than 8 m.; anchorage may he found in one or two shallow bays e. of the St. John's river.
Kaffraria is inhabited by the remains of the Amaxosa and Amamtembu tribes of Keffirs (who, since the annexation of British Kaffraria, haie retired across the Pci river), the once powerful tribes of the Amagaleka, Amampondos, and Amabaxa, besides tho remains of many broken Zulu tribes, refugees from the wars of Chaka and Dingaan, who have found shelter in that portion of the country that borders on Natal. The total num
ber of natives may be roughly estimated at 300,000; but it is probable in a very few years the whole region will be absorbed into the neighboring colonies of British Kaffraria. and Natal, as the population is rapidly decreasing, and the chiefs fast losing their rzestige and influence. The paramount chief is Bill, or Creili, of the Amagaleka tribe, wit:, has his principal kraal about 20 m. e. of the Great Kei river.
The soil of Kaffraria is fertile. The natives raise sufficient crops of l".../dian and Kaffir corn, pumpkins, etc., for their own use. Cotton has been successfully grown in ninny localities along the coast. Cattle, horses, and goats thrive well, and a consider able trade with the adjacent colonies is carried on iu hides, horns, goatskins, tallow, and wagon-wood. The Wesleyan society have established many well-organized stations, forming convenient halting-places along the lines of road which traverse Kaffraria between the Cape Colony and Natal, and where travelers will be sure to meet a kine. reception.