1812. 
PEBBLES OF THE GARIEP. 
213 
making rafts to pass the channel on the northern side of the island, 
that being much too deep to be forded in any manner. While thus 
employed, we were observed by three Koras on the opposite bank, 
who goodnaturedly swam over to give us their assistance, knowing 
by previous report who we were. 
My men had laboured the greater part of the day, in collecting 
the wood and carrying it to the farther side of the island, and we had 
just made the raft and all was- nearly ready, when some Bushmen 
came to inform me that another ford higher up the river, was 
much more shallow. In consequence of this advice, I ordered my 
people to desist from further preparations, and resolved on removing 
thither : for, having now in my party a number of Hottentots unac- 
customed to swimming, and a woman and infant besides, I considered 
myself responsible for their safety as far as it depended on my judg- 
ment, and therefore determined to adopt that plan which offered the 
least possible risk ; although some of the Hottentots seemed little 
pleased at finding that all the labor of collecting wood must be 
begun again. 
It being too late in the day to commence a journey, we remained 
at this place, and took advantage of the remaining daylight, to put 
our baggage in the best order we were able. I amused myself in the 
mean time, in examining the stones in the bed of the river. The 
shores of the Gariep, not only at this spot, but every where along its 
course, as I am informed, abound with pebbles of various sorts, and of 
considerable beauty. They have been found well adapted for seals 
and necklaces, or other ornaments of that kind ; and from their 
hardness, are susceptible of a high polish. Of these I now collected 
a few ; among which were some very handsome chalcedonies, some 
curious agates, and other varieties of this class ; together with some 
of porphyry, primitive amygdaloid, amygdaloidal greenstone ; and 
separate pebbles of zeolite, a substance frequently occurring »?m- 
bedded in the other stones of the river. 
2\st. Before sunrise we began the business of packing the 
baggage ; but in consequence of the Hottentots' dilatoriness and 
