176 
RECEPTION AT OLD JAN VILJOEN'S ; 
1 May, 
the advantages of being afforded, perhaps, at a far lower price, and of 
their white color admitting of being changed by any of the dyes suited 
to woollen. Such a branch of commerce might prove not unimportant 
to the colonists or to the Colony in general : it might open a new 
source of profit, and turn to better account those innumerable flocks, 
for the rearing of which, the greater part of that country seems by 
nature peculiarly adapted. I would hope that these remarks might 
induce some judicious speculative person to pursue the subject farther, 
and ascertain to what extent a trade of this kind, may be rendered 
lucrative. Since the Cape settlement, it seems, is not so fortunate as 
to possess a cHmate and herbage, like that of New South Wales, 
suited for the growth of the finest wools, it may prove equally 
favoured in having such as give to its sheep a soft and useful fur. 
Hitherto, our road on the Snow Mountains had been level and 
tolerably easy ; but after leaving Lubbe's, it became rough and in some 
parts dangerous ; leading along the steep sides of mountains, or over 
very rocky and rugged places. From one part of the road we had a 
full view of Coudveld. The country became more mountainous, and 
the air colder, as we entered the highland track of Sneeuwberg 
proper. 
It was not till sunset, that we reached the abode of old 
Jan Viljoen, where Lubbe was to leave me. He came out of his hut 
to receive us ; but when my companion informed him that I was so 
situated as to require his assistance in proceeding to Herholdt's the 
next day, he became rather cross and out of humour, and, to my 
mortification, told him that he had neither waggon nor oxen at 
home. Hearing this, I began to take into consideration the possibi- 
lity of going thither on foot, and afterwards sending one of my men 
with a pack-ox to fetch my baggage. But, fortunately, Lubbe knew 
his neighbour too well to be deceived by him ; and persisted in the 
necessity of his helping me forward : he urged that it was the 
minister's particular request to him, and slightly hinted that I carried 
a n;overnment-letter. Whichever of these considerations might have 
had most weight with him, I know not ; but fortunately for me, he 
at last, and, I am sorry to say, with reluctance, consented to furnish 
