POPULATION OF SWELLENDAM. 329 



found it altogether impassable, and were of neces- 

 sity detained upwards of three days, during which, 

 a large number of waggons assembled on the bank, 

 unable, like our own, to proceed. The country in 

 this neighbourhood was extremely beautiful. At a 

 short distance from the place where we uitspanned 

 was an extensive wine-farm, in which the people 

 were engaged gathering the vintage. Pheasants 

 and partridges were extremely plentiful. 



Swellendam was the next place at which we 

 halted, after having crossed the river, as soon as the 

 waters subsided. 



This village is very pleasantly situated, and con- 

 sists of between fifty and sixty houses, a church, and 

 government offices. The number of inhabitants is 

 estimated at 1200. 



The soil is good, fruit trees and vegetables of 

 every description grow luxuriantly, and there is an 

 abundant supply of water from the Cornlands River. 



The smaller description of game, such as Duikers, 

 Steen Rhee-boks, &c, is found here in great abun- 

 dance, but the larger antelopes have altogether dis- 

 appeared ; and the groote blauw-bok, A. leucophoer, 

 which once inhabited this district, is now no more 

 to be found. 



The desolating hand of man, which has pursued it 

 with an unjustifiable avidity, appears to have entirely 

 exterminated the species, as it has not been met with 

 for the last thirty years. 



vol. i. z 



