310 LOWRY RIVER. 



wide expanse of the Indian ocean that lay out- 

 stretched before us in calm and unruffled beauty. 

 We found the temperature here particularly cool and 

 refreshing, which we enjoyed the more after the 

 violent heat of the day. Having unyoked our oxen 

 on the skirts of a forest, we secured them to the 

 trees, selecting for ourselves a secluded spot sheltered 

 from the wind, where we pitched our tent for the 

 night. 



We quitted this delightful retreat early on the fol- 

 lowing morning, and after passing through an open 

 and fertile country, uitspanned at a farm about eight 

 miles distant, where some lofty trees, growing on a 

 considerable elevation, afforded us a tolerably cool 

 retreat from the rays of the meridian sun. Here we 

 remained until four o'clock in the afternoon, when 

 we again started, and reached Lowry River towards 

 dusk. At this place we were much disturbed 

 by the hyeenas ; but our oxen being all secured, 

 and a fire kept burning during the night, they 

 were deterred from approaching us. This river 

 lies in a deep and highly cultivated valley, the 

 more valuable from its proximity to Algoa Bay and 

 Uitenhage. From a farm-house in the vicinity we 

 obtained a liberal supply of grapes and figs, which 

 we found particularly refreshing. On ascending 

 a steep mountain the next day, we halted, although 

 there was no shelter from the scorching sun, as the 

 oxen were completely exhausted with their morn- 



