CROSS THE KROMME. 315 



nevertheless, of essential service in supplying the 

 means of irrigating the vast tracts of country through 

 which they flow. A vein of coal is reported to have 

 been recently found at the mouth of the Kromme ; 

 but I believe no attempt has yet been made to render 

 the discovery available for any useful purpose. During 

 the two nights we remained on the banks of this 

 stream we were much annoyed by swarms of mos- 

 quitos and other insects, which were attracted to our 

 tent by the light, and occasioned us no small incon- 

 venience. The situation of the place itself was par- 

 ticularly lonely, not a single individual having been 

 seen during the period of our halt. 



At sunrise on the morning of Monday, the 15th of 

 February, 1831, we were busily engaged in packing 

 up our tent, and preparing for our departure ; for 

 the river having fallen, we determined to attempt a 

 passage. After some little difficulty we accomplished 

 our purpose, although the current was very strong, 

 and the water in many places deep. We conse- 

 quently preferred ascending rather a steep mountain 

 at a short distance from this place, to crossing the 

 stream a second time, which we must otherwise have 

 done ; for it has a remarkably winding course, from 

 which circumstance it has received its name- of the 

 Kromme, or Crooked River. 



Descending the mountain, we pursued our route 

 through a delightful valley, at one time following 

 the sinuosities of the river, and at another passing 



