INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Ixxiii 



tion, until it is inured to it. The finest part of tlie year is termed 

 the winter, commencing about March or April, to the lattei end 

 of August, or beginning of September. This is the rainy season, 

 when it frequently rains in torrents for many days, and the houses 

 and whole town are deluged with water. But in the intervals of 

 rain the temperature of the air is remarkably mild and pleasant, 

 and the atmosphere most uncommonly clear. It is seldom or 

 ever very cold, except that sort of cold which arises from damp. 

 The tops of the mountains are at this season covered with snow ; 

 but T scarce ever remember to have seen snow on the plains." 



" In Table Bay, which is known to be excessively deep and 

 rocky, and as it were the surrounding country reversed, for many 

 months in the year no ships can land, or even enter; and, if any, 

 being before in the Bay, continue there during those months, 

 which is sometimes unavoidable, they ride with very great diffi- 

 culty, and in considerable danger, with head and bow anchors, 

 which are frequently obliged to be shifted at the turn of tide. 

 Even in the finest season, and often in the cahnest weather, there 

 is an immense surge which there is nothing to break. There 

 are no harbours, docks, or quays ; a complete open road-sted, 

 and nothing but a long projecting jetty about 300 yards, on 

 which if you cannot safely land, you must be content to go stern 

 foremost with the surge, and be left on the sand." 



" There are only six months in the year in which ships ever 

 venture into Table Bay ; and during the Avinter season, the 

 Admiral on the station, and the men of war, coi>stantly go round 

 to False Bay, and take shelter in Simon's Bay. The number of 

 vessels said to have been lost in Table Bay is almost incredible. 

 I myself saw two ships, that,- in the same night, broke from their 

 anchors, run aground, and were totally lost, and tvhen the 

 weather was not very tempestuous." 



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