EXPEDITION INTO [Chap. II. 



CHAPTER 11. 



JOURNEY FROM PORT ELIZABETH TO 

 GRAHAMS TOWN. 



Algoa Bay is exceedingly open and exposed, and 

 the anchorage very insecure. During high winds 

 sViips not unfrequently go on shore, a tremendous 

 surf often rendering it dangerous, and at times even 

 impossible, for boats to land. We were fortunate in 

 being able to prevail on the Port Captain to take us 

 ashore in his barge, a favour which our uncouth 

 habiliments rendered him somewhat cautious in 

 vouchsafing. The town of Port Elizabeth, though 

 rapidly increasing, does not consist of above one 

 hundred and fifty houses. It is built along the sea 

 shore on the least eligible site that could have been 

 selected. The soil in the neighbourhood is a sandy 

 loam, producing fine crops of wheat and barley 

 without irrigation, its contiguity to the sea affording 

 sufficient moisture. 



We tarried a week at Mrs. Scorey's fashionable 

 hotel, and were actively engaged in an attempt to 

 purchase horses, which we understood were to be 

 obtained in the adjoining districts in considerable 

 numbers, and of an excellent quality. It was with 

 inconceivable difficulty, however, that we at length 

 succeeded in procuring two miserable quadrupeds. 



