44 
JOURNEY TO BETHELSDORP. 
[1815. 
by their notes hailed the approach of da}^ During 
all tliis time the Hottentots were fast asleep upon the 
ground — when these go to rest, they have only to lay 
down a mat, and to cover themselves with their sheep 
skins, and they seem to sleep comfortably until morn- 
ing. After breakfast some of us visited Krombeck, 
(or Crooked Back) river, the water of which w-e found 
to be pure and well tasted ; the trees on each side 
formed a complete arch over it, which protected it 
from the penetrating rays of the sun, so that the water 
was delightfully cool. 
Though the day was cloudy at noon, yet the ther^^ 
mometer stood at ninety. The place is rather out of 
the way to Bethelsdorp, but we came in quest of timber 
to repair the wheels. Without ceremony they cut 
down a considerable tree, which they sawed in pieces 
to make what they wanted. I could not but notice 
a remarkable difference between an African and Eu- 
ropean climate. In England, if I sat or slept in the 
least draught of air, it was^ sure to be followed by a 
sore throat, but here though I had now slept eleven 
nights in the waggon, with cold winds blowing through 
it, I sustained no inconvenience. 
About four, P.M. we left Krombeck river, and 
ascended a hill by a stony path, from the top of which 
we had an extensive prospect ; but all was heath, na 
field or house visible, except a boor's immediately 
behind us. Many inconsiderable hills lay before us, 
and towards these we advanced. For some time we 
