Alexander spent most of his life in the British military, serving as aide-de-camp to Governor Benjamin D'Urban in the Kaffir War of 1835. Afterwards, he undertook a twelve-month, round-trip expedition north from Cape Town through the western interior, to a latitude of 23°. His small party consisted of seven companions (four Europeans and three natives) and an ox-drawn wagon stocked with expedition supplies, bartering items, and scientific equipment. They left Cape Town on 6 September 1836, passing through territory of the Great Namaquas and Boschmans, and by April reached their northernmost point, on the coast at Walvisch Bay (today's Walvis, Namibia). From there, they headed east into the land of the Hill Damaras and then returned via a slightly more easterly southern route. All who had started the trek arrived safely in Cape Town on 21 September 1837. During their 3900-mile journey, the men had collected numerous specimens of plants, birds, and mammals, and Alexander had taken useful notes on the activities of the colonists and the native tribes he had encountered. He was subsequently knighted for these exploratory efforts. (Delaney).

First edition; 2 vols, 12mo; 7 etched plates by William Heath, 7 wood-engravings, large folding map; contemporary half calf gilt, marbled sides, light fading to spines, light toning to edges of plates, offsetting to titles, a very good set; xxiii, 302; viii, 306 pp.

Czech p.4; Gay 3126; Mendelssohn I, p20.