1812. 
BURGER'S FARM ON SNEEUWBERG. 
173 
of a species different from the willow of the Gariep : the branches 
were less drooping, and it was, here at least, a much smaller tree. 
Burger s house stood near to the river, in an open, though not un- 
pleasant, situation. The building and the whole establishment were 
not only the best on Sneeuwberg,but as far as my recollection serves me, 
I have not seen a better farm -house in any district of the colony ; and 
no intelligence from this part of the world, would afford me more gra- 
tification, than to hear that the Cape settlement had so far advanced in 
improvement and riches, that every boor possessed so comfortable and 
respectable a dwelling. It was built of red bricks, in the usual 
Dutch style of architecture ; and it appeared not only externally 
neat, but was within exceedingly clean : and, if compared with the 
houses of the greater number of farms in this part of the country, 
it might seem to deserve the name of palace ; although in reality 
nothing better than an ordinary English farm-house. The surround- 
ing buildings and an excellent garden, rendered this place a little 
village of itself, and almost an independent settlement. Here were 
separate and complete workshops for, smiths, waggon-makers, and 
carpenters; and to these, although not noted in my original journal, 
I may, I believe, add, a corn-mill turned by a water-wheel. The 
owner, who was a man far advanced in years, was acknowledged as 
the greatest sheep-grazier in the colony ; a fact which I had no 
difficulty in crediting, when assured that he possessed 30,000 sheep, 
besides other cattle. 
Immediately after our arrival, servants were despatched on 
horseback, to apprise the neighbours of the arrival of their minister, 
and of his intention of holding a religious meeting on the following 
day at this house ; and, to invite them to attend. In the evening 
all the household together with the slaves and Hottentots of the 
farm, were assembled ; when one of the parables of the New Testa- 
ment, was explained to them, and commented on, in a manner 
suited to the capacities of the latter, for whose instruction more 
especially, it was selected. 
SOth. The whole of my morning was employed in writing letters 
