VAN STADEN RIVER. 309 



and on the way saw, for the first time, a species 

 of crane I had never before met with ; but not- 

 withstanding every endeavour to approach them in 

 the most cautious manner, we found it impossible 

 to get within shot, and gave up the pursuit with 

 much regret. On descending the heights to Van 

 Staden River, the character of the scenery was ex- 

 ceedingly magnificent. The river lay completely 

 imbedded between two very lofty mountains covered 

 with shrubs and verdant bushes, among which were 

 many rare birds of most beautiful plumage. The 

 smooth stream gliding between these precipitous 

 banks contributed much to the beauty of the valley, 

 and seemed to relieve with a refreshing coolness the 

 oppressive heat of the day. It was in the recesses 

 of this deep glen that Mr. Barrow mentions having 

 discovered several specimens of lead ore. We were 

 most hospitably entertained by a farmer of the name 

 of Kok, one of the Veld Cornets of the district, 

 who resided at the foot of this romantic valley ; 

 and the weather being exceedingly hot, we sought 

 shelter under his roof until a late hour of the after- 

 noon, when we took our departure. 



The sand being extremely heavy, our oxen were 

 unable to pull the waggon up the steep bank of the 

 river on the opposite side. After much difficulty 

 we succeeded in hiring an extra span, which, be- 

 ing attached to our own, brought the waggon to 

 the summit, just as the sun was sinking in the 



