BATHURST. 
103 
intruded itself upon the mind that we were 
riding through some sequestered, rural village 
in Northamptonshire, Somersetshire, or Shrop- 
shire. During our stay here, we were most hos- 
pitably received and entertained by the worthy 
and primitive pastor, Mr. Barrow, who spared 
no pains or trouble to make us acquainted with 
every object and locality of interest. This is 
one of the healthiest spots of this continent^ 
life being longer here, by several years, than in 
most other parts. The field-cornet * of the dis- 
trict informed us, that, during the last year, 
(1853) there had been, in the whole district of 
Bathurst, containing a population of 1200, but 
five deaths; on three of which he had held 
inquests — leaving but two arising from natural 
causes, which were an infant a week old, and 
a young female. 
The next point that we visited was the 
mouth of the Cowie river — proceeding from 
Bathurst by the main road. We thus traversed 
for a few miles through very picturesque sce- 
nery, which skirted the town ; and then, emerg- 
ing from this, passed over a long plain, covered 
with light sandy soil, and thin grass. This was 
* A field-cornet of the Cape, or more properly, according to the 
Dutch phraseology, veldt-cornet, is a petty officer, who is appointed 
to settle disputes, act as a magistrate, and keep the various registers 
for a portion of country 15 or 20 miles in extent. There are several 
to each district, and they answer to our parish officers in England, 
