PROJECTED VISIT TO THE EAST CAPE. 107 



news had been coniinunicated by boats, apparently 

 seven or eight months ago, bnt any more than this 

 we could not learn with certainty. 



We were now all agog to proceed to Po-orten, the 

 village upon the Cape, but our desires were impera- 

 tively checked by the refusal of any one to accompany 

 us, and the positive assurance of the great risk we 

 should incur by persisting in the attempt. A 

 different language was said to be spoken there, and 

 the natives represented to be at feud Avith their 

 neighbours, and of a fierce intractable disposition. 

 Thus urgently warned, we did not consider ourselves 

 justified in proceeding, particularly without guides, 

 and rehnquished the ardent hope with deep regret, 

 which has never since diminished in my mind. 

 We therefore made preparations for return to the 

 " Plover ; " took sketches of the surrounding land and 

 islands, made such observations as were possible, 

 obtained specimens of black-lead ore and colouring 

 stone, and distributed a few presents, our stock of 

 which was by this time getting low. On the 9th we 

 took a last look at East Cape, and quitting Cheengeen 

 commenced our homeward journey. 



Noonahmone was passed without delay, and we 

 reached Tchoolgen at seven in the evening, passing one 

 more night inthe 3^arangof our obliging and agreeable 



