UNPALATABLE WATER. 35 



was of so execrable a quality as to make it totally undrink- 

 able. However, on cleaning away the sand, it flowed pretty 

 freely, and we flattered ourselves that, by a little care and 

 trouble, we might render it fit for use, if not exactly pala- 

 table. 



After having thus far explored the country, we returned 

 to the vessel. On the following morning, at daybreak, we 

 set about landing our effects, mules, horses, &c., which was 

 not done without some difficulty. As soon as the goods 

 belonging to the missionary should have been removed to 

 Scheppmansdorf, Mr. Bam most considerately promised to 

 assist us with his oxen. In the interval — as there was no 

 fresh water on the beach — we deemed it advisable to remove 

 our luggage, by means of the mules, to Sand Fountain, where 

 we should, at least, be able to obtain water-^ — though bad of 

 its kind — and be better off in other respects. 



On the fourth day, the schooner which had conveyed us 

 to Walfisch Bay set sail for the Cape, leaving us entirely to 

 our own resources on a desert coast, and — excepting the 

 several missionary stations scattered over the country — at 

 several months' tedious journey by land to the nearest point 

 of civilization. 



On returning to Sand Fountain, our first care was to sink 

 an old perforated tar-barrel in a place dug for the purpose ; 

 but instead of improving the quality of the water, it only 

 made matters worse ! Fortunately, we had taken the pre- 

 caution to bring vdth us from the Cape a " copper distiller ;" 

 but the water, even thus purified, could only be used for 

 cooking, or making very strong coffee and tea. Strange 

 enough, when the OT\Tier of the house resided here, water 

 was abundant and excellent ; but the spot where it was ob- 

 tained was now hidden from view by an immense sand-hill, 

 which defied disginor. 



At Sand Fountain we had the full benefit of the sea-breeze, 

 which made the temperature very agreeable, the thermometer 



