IN SOUTH AFRICA. 555 
with its botanical riches. Even at the dryest time of the year, 
the variety of plants there is surprising. I often after- 
wards botanized on the Flats, and became well acquainted 
with their productions especially in January and February of 
the following year, (1839), after the Governor had hired 
a house on the “Camp Ground” for a summer rési- 
dence. : 
Owing to the difference of soil and exposure, the plants 
of this sandy plain are, in great part, different from those of 
the Table Valley, though belonging to the same tribes. The 
heaths are numerous, and some of them of great beauty; 
one of the handsomest is Erica mammosa, a tall species, with 
large, tubular, waxy-looking flowers crowded into a sort of 
spike, and varying in colour, from a rich crimson, through 
various shades of pink and flesh-colour. Along the little 
streams which intersect the Flats in various directions, the 
Erica concinna grows nearly to the height of a man, and 
bears rich wreaths of delicate pink blossoms ; while a variety 
of smaller species cover the dry sands. The Chironias, with 
their beautiful rose-coloured flowers ; Lobelias, some of the 
most brilliant blue, and others golden yellow; Struthiolas, 
resembling Heaths in their form and foliage, but with flowers 
of the most delicious fragrance; Aristeas, whose beautiful 
azure blossoms remain open only a few hours ; the stately 
Watsonias, with their tall, scarlet spikes; the lovely Bella- 
donna Lily; and several of the Orchis tribe deserve to be 
mentioned among the most attractive plants of these sandy 
plains (note F). In many spots, is seen a curious, clammy, leaf- 
less herb,* growing parasitically on the roots of the Heaths, and 
bearing very handsome white blossoms; this was one of Mr. 
Harvey’s numerous botanical discoveries, and has been very 
properly selected by his friend, Sir W. Hooker, to bear his 
nam, 
There are no trees on the Flats, except the European oaks ` 
and pines which have been planted here and there; and, 
except around the Vieys, or pools, or along the margins of 
* Harveya Capensis. 
