A photograph of Johannesburg taken in 1888 revealed a thin collection of
galvanised iron structures, widely scattered over a roadless veld, while
that of 1897 shows a mature city, compact, with an aspect of age, well
furnished with churches, massive buildings, parks with trees over a
hundred feet in height, rich villas and artistic mansions, etc. It was
scarcely credible that in such a short period such a marvellous change
had been wrought. The wonder was increased when I was driven along the
length of Hospital Hill, and noted the streets of this suburb, bordered
by artistic and costly houses, luxuriant shrubberies, flower gardens,
and stately lines of shade trees. The marvel was greater still when my
conductor told me that as late as 1892--five years ago--this suburb, now
so flourishing, was a mere virgin grassy veld. "What, all these miles
of groves and gardens and villas sprung up since 1892?"
"Yes, so prodigiously rapid is the growth of vegetation, trees, climbing
plants and shrubs, when daily watered, that these shade trees which give
the suburb such an appearance of age have only been planted during the
last five years!"