SUNRISE. 311 



ing's exertion. The heat, however, becoming insuf- 

 ferably oppressive, we were obliged again to yoke 

 them to the waggon and descend the hill ; but the 

 burning sand prevented the team from proceeding, 

 and we were compelled to remain several hours under 

 the shade of some trees near the road. When it be- 

 came cooler we proceeded towards the Missionary 

 Station called Hankey, belonging to the London 

 Society, where considerable improvement was visible. 

 A channel of some extent had been dug by the Hot- 

 tentots, for the better irrigation of the land, which 

 reflected much credit on their industry and perse- 

 verance. 



Being anxious to avoid all unnecessary delay, we 

 pursued our journey from this station to the Gamtoos 

 River, availing ourselves as usual during the mid- 

 day heat of such shelter as was afforded by the trees 

 that skirted its banks. The ford by which we 

 encamped at night was of considerable breadth, and 

 the stream, which flowed rapidly over a bed of smooth 

 pebbles, possessed a degree of clearness I had 

 seldom witnessed in any of the South African 

 rivers. Early in the morning, while the moon was 

 yet shining, taking advantage of its agreeable light, 

 we yoked our oxen to the waggon, and reached the 

 summit of a hill, just as the sun had risen above the 

 horizon, casting a hue of gorgeous splendour over 

 the mountain-scenery, which on all sides met our 

 view. Those only who have witnessed the rising of 



