Sept.] ORANGE RIVER— ELIZABETH BAY. 289 



to commence at Campbell's Dorp, six hundred miles directly east from 

 its mouth ; being formed there by the confluence of another, called 

 Yellow River, which rises among mountains nearly four hundred miles 

 to the north-east of Campbell's Dorp, and eight hundred from the mouth 

 of the Orange. Two or three other rivers also add their waters to the 

 Orange. 



Taking our leave of Orange River, we continued examining the coast 

 to the north-north-west along a straight shore, clear of dangers,' until 

 we came to what is called Angras Juntas Bay, said to have an island 

 at its entrance, and a bay or lagoon within the island, running six 

 leagues north and south, completely sheltered from all winds. This 

 I know is not the case, as I have examined every rod of this coast 

 with my boats, in broad daylight, close to the outer edge of the surf 

 on the beach. At the place called Angras Juntas there is a small 

 bend in the land, running in to the eastward about a mile, the width 

 of its mouth being a mile and a half. Here ships may find tolerable 

 shelter, with southerly winds, and it is likewise a convenient place to 

 have communication with the Hottentots, some of whom reside about 

 five miles to the north-east of this bay. There is a small rock that 

 stands to the south-west of the south point about two miles, with deep 

 water ail around it. 



At the entrance of this bay there is fourteen fathoms of water, which 

 gradually lessens to five fathoms, about half a mile from the bottom 

 -of the bay, sandy bottom. But the best anchorage is under the south 

 shore, one-fourth of a mile from the point to the south-west, in six 

 fathoms, sandy ground. This place is situated in latitude 27° 47' S., 

 long. 15° 50' E. 



September 20th. — We continued steering to the north and west, 

 critically examining every mile of the coast, until Saturday, the 20th, 

 when we arrived at Whale Bay, which is in latitude 27° 23' S. This 

 bay is unsafe for ships to anchor in, on account of the shoal water in 

 ■every part of it ; but they may anchor outside of two small islands 

 which front the bay, lying half a mile from the shore, on which may 

 be taken a few fur-seal, in the proper season. The landing on the 

 south side of the bay is good, and an eligible place for trading with the 

 Hottentots, who inhabit a small village which stands in a pleasant valley, 

 ten miles inland. They frequently stray down to this bay in search 

 of shellfish, and will dispose of bullocks, sheep, and ostrich feathers 

 on very favourable terms. I can recommend these men for trusty 

 guides for any person that may wish to take an excursion into the 

 interior. The coast along here is nothing but one sandy desert, with 

 the exception of a few rocky hills composed of volcanic substances. 



From this place we followed the coast to Elizabeth Bay, which is 

 fronted by Possession Island. The centre of the island is in latitude 

 26° 57' S., long. 15° 8' E. Between this place and Cape Voltas there 

 are many small islets and reefs, lying half a mile from the shore ; but 

 there are no dangers at double that distance from the land; and ships, 

 if becalmed, may anchor five miles from the coast, in from fifteen to 

 twenty fathoms, sandy bottom. These soundings extend along the 

 whole range of coast. 



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