1812. 
VILLAGE OF GRAAFFREYNET. 
145 
large handsome building, on the ground plan of a cross, stands on a 
spacious plain at the northern end of the main street, of which it 
forms the terminating object ; while the river, with its banks beauti- 
fully clothed with trees and shrubs, closes the southern end. The 
drostdy, though inferior to the residence of the landdrost at Tulbagh, 
is a respectable edifice. It stands near to the church, at the upper 
end of the street, and on the western side. A representation of 
this building and part of the street, is given at page 139. The 
plain or green in which the church is situated, is bounded by a hill, 
from which the lofty Snow-mountains appear full in view. An 
opening between this hill and the mountains on the east, is the only 
approach to the village, from the north : from the south, there is 
no other entrance than through the river. The residence of the 
clergyman was, at this time, on the western side of the street, and 
towards the lower end ; but a large and handsome edifice intended 
for the parsonage, was at this time being erected in another street. 
On the northern side of the principal street, several others intersecting 
at right angles, together with many detached dwellings, were rapidly 
rising in every quarter. 
At this time Graaffreynet could only be called a village ; but, 
from the projected improvements, and the activity with which they 
were being carried on, the name of town., would soon become more 
appropriate. Seven years before this, the number of houses was 
between fifteen and twenty ; but at this date there were seventy-four ; 
of which, indeed, some were not yet completed ; besides eight more 
already planned. I saw at this time, three smiths'-shops, a waggon- 
maker's, and several shops or houses at which a variety of European 
goods might be bought. There were also a town butcher and baker, 
and a pagter, (pakter) or retailer of wine and brandy ; who are 
appointed by licence from the landdrost. Along the principal street 
a row of orange and lemon trees, at this time loaded with fruit, 
formed a decoration as novel to an English eye, as it was in itself 
beautiful by the clean glossy verdure of the foliage, and the bright 
contrast of the golden fruit. The general fruit-season was just 
past, but quinces were still hanging on the trees. All kinds of 
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