A PLEASING PROSPECT. 221 



scarce : the only birds we had shot during the day 

 were a brace of Koorhaans. Towards the after- 

 noon we entered a valley of some extent, covered 

 with long coarse grass, which formed an agreeable 

 contrast to the rugged track we had recently tra- 

 versed. Bold and majestic mountains rose on either 

 side, covered with lofty forest timber, stretching far 

 away on our left towards the Luheri, or Gaika's 

 Peak. We had now to wind our way up the side 

 of a steep bank, overspread with luxuriant verdure, 

 whilst our untrodden path lay over a profuse variety 

 of shrubs and flowers, until we reached the summit 

 of the mountain, from whence — 



" Prospects immense spread out on all sides round/* 



After gazing for a few moments on this extensive 

 view, we began gradually to descend on the opposite 

 side, when many interesting objects presented them- 

 selves to our notice; but the most striking feature in 

 the landscape, amidst this wild and uncultivated 

 region, was the quiet hamlet with the Mission 

 Church, shining as a bright speck amidst the moral 

 darkness ; — a presage that the swarthy tribes of this 

 benighted land shall yet become enlightened and 

 happy. The shadows of evening now darkened our 

 path, which, being extremely rugged and precipitous, 

 we deemed unsafe to pursue farther, and accordingly, 

 having unyoked the oxen, we made them fast to the 

 waggon wheels, and, pitching our tent on the moun- 

 tain side, remained in calm enjoyment of this tran- 

 quil scene, 



