238 VISITS TO MADAGASCAR. chap. ix. 



peaclies, figs, apricots, and grapes, a number of our choicest 

 sorts of plums, pears, and apples. The former do not thrive 

 well ; but, amongst the latter. New Town Pippin, Eibstone 

 Pippin, Lemon Pippin, and others were doing well. Along 

 his verandah was trained a large fragrant white ipomaea from 

 Natal. Leaving the garden, we walked over the adjacent 

 country along the course by which he had brought water 

 from a distance of two miles to the town. Mr. Brownlee is 

 quite a botanist, and it was a great treat to walk with him 

 amongst the varied vegetation of Caffreland. The most 

 beautiful plant we saw was a dwarf species of erythrina, 

 crowded with rich scarlet blossoms. Besides this there were 

 some splendid specimens of leonotis, with scarlet-tinted 

 orange flowers. 



The next day we were joined by Mr. Birt from Peelton, 

 and met the people to deliberate upon the state of the 

 mission. Jau Tzatzo, whom I had known in England, was 

 present, and dined with us afterwards. The next morning I 

 accompanied Mr. Brownlee three or four miles up the Buffalo 

 river, and, entering the bush, cut a piece from the branch of 

 a tree covered with orchids, which I ultimately succeeded in 

 bringing home safely. On returning we proceeded over a 

 rich, grassy country to Peelton, about nine miles distant, 

 where I met with a hospitable reception from Mr. Birt. 



This important station was entirely destroyed during the 

 late war ; but since the missionary and the people who 

 retired to Fort Beaufort have returned a good building has 

 been erected, which at present serves the double purpose of 

 chapel and school. The mission family have a neat, com- 

 fortable house, and the natives have erected a number of 

 temporary dwellings. This station is one of the most im- 

 portant in the country, situated on the border of Caffreland 

 and the royal reserves, and a considerable population have 

 already gathered around. In the evening I walked out with 



