316 FINE PROSPECT. 



over its bed; then ascending its steep and rugged 

 sides, amidst a varied succession of the most romantic 

 scenery. Heaths and shrubs in endless variety 

 were seen profusely blossoming in every direction. 

 Birds of dazzling plumage were flying from bush to 

 brake, and feeding upon the blossoms of the aloe, 

 which sprung out from the deep recesses of the shelv- 

 ing rocks, worn into a thousand chasms by the moun- 

 tain-torrents. Having traversed a very rough and 

 heavy ground, the oxen became so completely fatigued 

 as to be unable to draw our waggon to the place at 

 which we proposed to halt. Darkness overtaking 

 us, we were obliged to remain, rather awkwardly 

 stationed, in the middle of a narrow path half-way 

 up a very steep ascent. As there was no alternative, 

 we had the oxen fastened to the waggon, and kindling 

 a fire in the road, we here took up our abode for the 

 night, the men and oxen being completely wearied 

 out with this day's journey. 



Before daylight we turned the cattle adrift to 

 graze on the mountain, and in the course of an hour 

 or two afterwards, having started afresh, we suc- 

 ceeded in gaining the heights from which the 

 Kromme River takes its rise. On reaching the 

 summit, we were much impressed with the sublimity 

 of the landscape. The view into the valley which lay 

 extended below us presented a grand and magni- 

 ficent scene. The nearer view was as pleasing as the 

 more distant was imposing. A few small farms 



