1812. SPITSKOP, THE HIGHEST POINT OF THE COLONY. [25 
called by the colonists, Spitskop * (The Peak) on account of its 
remarkably pointed form, by which it is distinguished at a great 
distance over all the surrounding country, as much as by its superior 
height. It has been in later years, very unnecessarily re-named Com- 
pasberg. 
That this is the most elevated part of the Cape Colony, there 
can, I think, be no doubt, if in addition to the peculiar and constant 
coldness of its climate, we deduce an argument from the circumstance 
of the different streams which proceed from it, taking their course in 
opposite directions : those on the northern side, flowing through the 
Seacow, and Gariep, rivers, to the western coast of the continent ; 
while those on the southern and eastern, carry their waters to the 
eastern sea. 
The first step in our descent from this chilly region, brought us to 
a fine grassy flat, covered with, what is the greatest rarity in Southern 
Africa, a real turf or sod, though in many places abounding in the 
mat-rush. Since quitting the Hex river, every stream which we had 
crossed, flowed towards the west ; but at this spot, in a ravine on our 
right, we found a rivulet taking an opposite course ; this may be con- 
sidered as the highest source of the Sunday rivet\ 
A keen chilling mist, or rather a misty rain, now enveloped us ; 
and my whole party complained of being extremely cold. I there- 
fore resolved on taking up our night's station, by the river, at the 
first spot where fire-wood could be procured ; as we were all utter 
strangers to the country, and knew not whether by going forward, we 
should come to a better, or a worse, place. Wood however was, in 
this instance fortunately, so scarce that we were kept advancing, till, 
through the mist, we discovered a house before us, just at a time 
when evening began to approach. It was the dwelling of Piet Van der 
Merxve ; who very readily, and with marked kindness, received us 
under his roof. My men, together with my young Bushman protege, 
were comfortably lodged in the ' corn-house while I myself was 
* See the vignette at the end of the sixth chapter ; and the note appended to the 5th 
of May. 
