72 
SOUTHERN AFRICA. 
first, and, in their nature, partake much of the 
barrenness and aridity of the Karroo^ lying 
at their base ; which is composed of long thirsty 
plains of naked clay and sand, with stunted 
shrubs, and tufts of sour grass, sprinkled spar- 
ingly over its surface. 
These mountains extend through the districts 
of Swellendam and Worcester, from the East 
towards the North-west; retaining, in their geo- 
graphical position, a similar curvature to the 
coast line of the promontory; and finally falling 
in with the Bokkeyeld, and Ceder-Bergen ran- 
ges, at the extreme North-western extremity 
of the latter district. These, together with the 
Karree-Berg, and Kamies, or Lion-Mountains, 
then take up the highland chain along the 
Western coast; which, running Northwards 
through the division of Clanwilliam, passes into 
Namaqualand, and finally vanishes at the mouth 
of the great Gareep, or Orange River, in lati- 
tude 28°. 40'., longitude 16°. 30'. 
The character of the country met with, as 
we proceed towards the more inland and North- 
erly districts of the Western province, is de~. 
cidedly mountainous. The Onder-Bokkeveldt, 
and Eoggeveldt-Berg chains in the South of 
Clanwilliam; the Middle-Eoggeveldt on the 
North-east of Worcester; and the Niewnveldt- 
Bergen ranges running East and West through 
