104 
SOUTHERN AFRICA. 
principally used for grazing, and tlie herds of 
cattle looked sleek and fat. One or two mills 
varied the monotony of the view, which, in cross- 
ing the plain, partook of sameness. This, how- 
ever, terminated at the end of about seven 
miles, by the ascent to the highlands, which 
overhang the mouth of the Cowie. On reach- 
ing this, we were much pleased with the sud- 
den change in the prospect. As we advanced 
up the sides of the hill, the whole landscape be- 
came clothed in tangled bush and underwood; 
wild flowers carpeted the sward; while the 
numerous indigenous climbing plants of South- 
ern Africa matted the foliage overhead into 
a dense natural umbrella. Passing, in file, 
through these overhung avenues of forest sce- 
nery, we suddenly immerged from the thicket, 
unwilling to quit its romantic jasmine, and gera- 
nium scented glades. We found ourselves now 
standing on a spur of the Cowie hill, which 
was sloping down to the side of the river, dot- 
ted, on the way, by pretty little cottages and 
gardens. Immediately above the banks, stood 
the hotel and its grounds, which certainly did 
due credit to the taste and industry of its host 
and hostess. We were much struck and pleased, 
by the honest joy which the people everywhere 
evinced at seeing their pastor ; who, like other 
Clergy in that land, was deservedly loved and 
respected. 
