PETERS EE E, TEE, iz Lr MR SENE NP S ER 
IN SOUTH AFRICA. 561 
that succulent plants are much less numerous in this part 
than in the interior of the colony. It is probable that the 
leaves of the Hottentot Fig might be used as a substitute for 
spinach, since it is nearly related to the well-known New 
Zealand spinach;* but I am not aware that any trials have 
been made. 
'The shrub called the Cape Gooseberry, which bears a 
pleasant, acid fruit, is supposed to be a naturalized plant, 
and not a true native. 
Pelargoniums (more commonly known under the name of 
Geraniums), are found in considerable numbers in the Cape 
peninsula; but the generality of them are far less handsome 
than what we are used to in gardens. Few plants have been 
more improved by cultivation. The finest kind is the P. cu- 
cullatum, a shrub with large purple flowers, which grows abun- 
dantly in most of the ravines and water-courses among the 
hills, generally mixed with the Lion’s-ear,t an ornamental 
shrub of the Sagé kind; the bright purple of the one, and 
the glowing orange of the other, produce a very rich 
effect. 
The * Kloof,’ which I have already mentioned several 
times, is one of the best places for botanizing, within a walk of 
Cape Town. (note G) Another very favourable locality, is the 
eastern side of the Devil’s Mountain, (note H) near the farther 
block-house; this face of the mountain is much less parched 
than that looking towards the town, and produces a great 
number of peculiar plants. Of the botanical riches of the 
Flats, and of the upper part of Table Mountain, I have 
already spoken. The mountains behind Simon’s Town (note I) 
are well worthy of the attention of a botanist; they abound 
with Heaths and Proteas, which generally delight in the 
: ' most barren soil; and many plants which flourish on the 
top of Table Mountain are here seen at a much lower level. 
A great number of curious plants, from all parts of the 
colony, are cultivated in the rich and interesting botanic 
* Tetragonia expansa. + Leonotis Leonurus, 
KA AS 
