I20 TRAVELS IN 
fpeecli, refpeding the dilFerent occupations 
which would be afterwards affigiied to them. 
This procedure immediately infpired them 
with an idea that I was a careful and prudent 
man, and that the lead remiflhefs in their fer- 
vice could not efcape me. After this cere- 
mony, I mounted my horfe, and went to re- 
connoitre the road on the mountain, which 
we were to traverfe next day. On my return, 
I found my oxen in excellent condition, and 
a large fire burning, which I had ordered to 
be kindled. Having made a flight fupper on 
the provifions which we had brought from 
the town, we retired to reft ; I in my car- 
riage, and my Hottentots under the canopy of 
heaven. 
Next morning we yoked our oxen before 
day, and prepared ourfelves for attempting 
the mountain ; but we could not reach its 
fummlt without being in great danger of 
breaking our carriages, and laming our oxen. 
The road is cut out even, on the back part of 
it ; but it "is fo deep, and fo rough with fplin- 
ters of rock, that I am aftoniihed government 
iliould have fo much negleded the only route 
by which the inhabitants of thefe cantons can 
