CHAP, vii.] Sir John Herschel at the Cape. 263 



land before since leaving England), at dawn the welcome 

 word " land " was heard, and there stood this magnificent 

 hill, with all its attendant mountain range down to the 

 farthest point of South Africa, full in view, with a clear blue 

 ghost-like outline, and that night we cast anchor within the 

 Bay. Next morning early we landed under escort of Dr. 

 Stewart, M.'s brother, and you may imagine the meeting. 

 We took up our quarters at a most comfortable lodging- 

 house (Miss Rabe's), and I proceeded, without loss of time, 

 to unship the instruments. This was no trifling operation, 

 as they filled (with the rest of our luggage) fifteen large 

 boats ; and, owing to the difficulty of getting them up from 

 the "hold "of the ship, required several days to complete 

 the landing. During the whole time (and indeed up to this 

 moment) not a single south-east gale, the summer torment 

 of this harbour, has occurred. This is a tiling almost un- 

 heard of here, and has indeed been most fortunate, since 

 otherwise it is not at all unlikely that some of the boats, 

 laden as they were to the water's edge, might have been lost, 

 and the whole business crippled. 



For the last two or three days we have been looking at 

 houses, and have all but agreed for one, a most beautiful 

 place within four or five miles out of town, called " The 

 Grove." In point of situation, it is a perfect paradise, in 

 rich and magnificent mountain scenery, and sheltered from 

 all winds, even the fierce south-easter, by thick surrounding 

 woods. I must reserve for my next all description of the 

 gorgeous display of flowers which adorns this splendid 

 country, as well as of the astonishing brilliancy of the con- 

 stellations, which the calm, clear nights show off to great 

 advantage ; and wishing we had you here to see them, must 

 conclude with best loves from M. and the children. 

 Your affectionate nephew, 



J. F. W. HERSCHEL. 



