The Names of Our Plantations. 59 
The neighbourhood of the sea is shown by Regt door Zee close to the sea, 
Zeexight, a sea view, Zeelugt sea air, Seafield, and Zeeburg a sea castle. At first 
sight the eye or hole in the sail appears to refer to a ship, but itis most likely 
proverbial, Het oog int Zeil,a flaw or drawback, “a blot on the escutcheon.” 
A new arrival rowed ashore, hence Strangroen, or perhaps it is a figure of speech, 
‘pulling hard against the stream.” 
The drainage is represented by Nooten Zuil and Abram Zuil, Nooten’s and 
Abram’s canals ; Swanenschutz is the sluice of Mynheer Swaen. 
Flatness and a wide view are indicated by Greenfield, a beautiful plain (Belle 
Plaine), a fair or wide field (Belfield and Ruimveldt), a beautiful or extensive view 
(Bellevue and Ruimzigt), a joyful sight (Bly Zight), a happy dale (Blyendaal), 
a hollow (Hohleval), and a beautiful spot (Schoon Ord). Freshness and green 
fields are patent in Spring and Le Printemps, Spring Garden and Le Jardin de 
Provence ; in spring there was La Parfaite Harmonie with the song of birds 
(Vogelzang). 
The grant was a Farm or La Grange, (owner des Granges), a Moor Farm, a 
Dead Tree Farm. It was lovely, it was the planter’s choice (Mon Choisi), it 
pleased him (Me Delices) ; it was well situated (Welgeleegan)—Goed Bananen 
Land, a Canefield or Best Coffee Land. There was also a good neighbour 
(Beauvoisin). The village (La Bourgade) seems almost prophetic for the name 
occurs before Cumingsburg was laid out. 
The pioneer was a fortune seeker ; like gamblers he often invoked the fickle 
goddess, hence Fortuin, Goed Fortwin and destiny (Le Destin). When fortune 
smiled he got La Petite Fortune, a tiny fortune, and when she frowned he asked 
* Why does fortune turn?”’ (Hoe draait het Fortuin’). The project was doubtful 
an Adventure, a Chance, a Speculation, an Enterprise (Onderneeming). By chance 
(Bijgeval) it might be a lucky adventure (L’ Hewreuse Adventure), a Lucky Hit 
on a Lucky Spot. Perhaps the Bachelor’s Adventure was to gain a Lovely Lass, 
if La Jalousie were absent. 
He had a good intention (La Bonne Intention) and was therefore entitled to 
hope for The Best ; hence Hope, Good Hope, Better Hope, Pleasing Hope, New Hope, 
Fitz's Hope, Baillie’s Hope and Sophia's Hope ; Hope and Experiment probably 
represents an amalgamation. Emblems of hope are Sheet Anchor, Aurora, 
Rising Sun and the dawn (Dageraad). It might be a mere bagatelle (La 
Bagatelle), of little consideration (Kortberaad), a Cottage, still it was a Prospect, 
a resource (La Resource), an Expectation, it might prove a Mainstay, a benefit 
(Le Bienfait) and furnish a Supply. Faith was wanted and we have De Ridder's 
Faith. Profit must be gained Now or Never. 
Some were probably refugees, perhaps they had suffered for conscience’ sake 
or left Europe to get more freedom Guiana was to them a refuge (Toevlugt)* 
a retreat La Redwit and La or Ma Retraite, the desired haven (Le Desir), a 
resting-place (Mon Repos). One had gained freedom (Vryheid), another enjoyed 
freedom’s delight (Vryheid’s Lust), peace and hope Vreed-en-hoop, peace and 
friendship (Vreed-en-Vriendschap), or peace and rest Vreed- en Rust ; at last he 
was safe at liberty (Wel te Vrede) and in a Sanctuary. The other side is perhaps 
hinted by the name Siberia (a banishment). 
