PRODUCTIONS OF GEAAIT-REINET. 125 
The first formation of this division was in 
the year 1806, by the Dutch governor Yan der 
Graaff, and was so named after him and his wife 
Eeinet. Originally, this location was supposed 
to contain 50,000 square miles. Since its sub- 
division, however, into four, Graaff-Keinet num- 
bers but 8000 square miles ; Somerset 9000 ; 
Colesberg 11,654 ; Cradock 3168 ; while the 
remaining portion was annexed to Uitenhage. 
The village of Graaff-Keinet is a pretty little 
place, regularly laid out, and planted neatly 
with lemon trees, acacias, and oleanders ; the 
Sneewberg mountain forming the background. 
The soil varies much in its nature. It, however, 
may, in many places, be called very rich, especi- 
ally near the Sunday-Eiver. Large tracts of 
the lower parts of this division are covered 
with a small succulent shrub, called 66 Speck- 
boom;" which is botanically described as the 
u Portulocaria Afra^ and affords excellent food 
for sheep and goats. The Elephant was said to 
live upon it, hence it has likewise been styled 
in Africa, " ElephantVfood." The sap has a 
slight acid taste, very refreshing in the heat ; 
the leaves are also agreeably used for pickling, 
preserving, and in tarts. 
This locality is now one of the principal ones 
for the produce of wool, the farmers having 
lately consented to improve their breed of sheep, 
