MARCH.] JOURNEY TO BETHELSDORP. 59 
yet seen in Africa. It abounds with wood, water, and 
majestic scenery. The neighbouring wood is exten- 
sive, full of all kinds of trees belonging to the climate, 
and sufficientto supply them with timber for a thousand 
years. The ground is good either for corn or pasture ; 
there is plenty of clay for making bricks, and abun- 
dance of Ume on the sea shore, which is only a few 
hours distant. The Landdrost's house is building — 
the prison and court house are finished — the Secre- 
tary's and some other houses are nearly finished — the 
two principal streets are to cross each other at right 
angles, and the church is to stand in the centre. The 
streets will be two hundred feet wide ; on each side of 
them is to be planted a row of trees, not only for 
ornament, but for defending passengers from the 
scorching rays of an almost vertical sun. 
Soon after my arrival, I waited on the Landdrost, 
who received me with much frankness, and shewed me 
every attention. We went in his curricle to visit the 
neighbouring wood, which was a gratifying object, 
from the great height of the trees, and their all being 
new to me ; and that which enhances their value is, they 
are all evergreens. With much labour a considerable 
stream of water has been carried across the wood 
from a neighbouring mountain to supply the rising 
town. The water resembles in colour Lisbon wine, 
yet has an agreeable taste. The timber not only of 
the iron tree, but of most of the others, was solid and 
heavy, like a piece of marble. The underwood and 
weeds growing among the trees were likewise novelties 
I 2 
