MARCH.] JOURNEY TO BETHELSDORP. 77 
us that the greatest impediments during the remaining 
part of our journey to Bethelsdorp, would be the 
rivers. We were now in a plain called the Long 
Kloof. Thermometer 70. 
Left White River at five, P.M. A httle before sun- 
set, Gasper killed a brace of fine partridges, and at- 
tempted to shoot two roe-bucks, but they saved their 
lives by a speedy flight. At eight, P.M. we came to 
Sondag (or Sunday) Place, on Koorbomes River. Our 
Hottentots called at the boor's to purchase flour, but 
he had none to spare. I walked after them, and 
found the boor could speak Enghsh. The family and 
slaves were together in a large room, which was a 
comfortable one. Though the boor could spare no- 
thing for us, he anxiously solicited some snufl^ from us, 
when I gave him a little out of my box. Tobacco, 
snufl; powder, tinder-boxes, and flints, are the chief 
articles in request in these parts. On leaving Sondag 
Place, we crossed a fen in which were many pools of 
water, through which our road lay. There is a chain 
of hills runs on each side of this long valley, which by 
planting trees, or by cultivation, might be made one of 
the most delightful spots in Africa : at present it is a 
lonely wilderness, having nothing to relieve the wearied 
eye except the variously shaped mountains. At eleven, 
P.M. we passed another boors place, and were sa- 
luted with the barking of many dogs, which seem to 
abound in Africa more than men. These animals are 
only useful as watchers, A shepherd's dog from Britain 
would have assisted us more in driving our spare 
