APRIL.] 
BETHELSDORP. 
109 
We likewise examined a curious plant, full of a sub- 
stance resembling milk. When likely to lose the 
sight of an eye, Dr. Vanderkemp, with his botanical 
skill, was investigating this plant — breaking one of its 
parts, a drop of the milk went into his diseased eye, 
which caused excruciating pain, and made him fear 
the entire loss of the sight ; but in a short time, the 
pain subsided, and he found the sight of that eye 
perfectly restored. The plant is called Euphorbium. 
We found also a small spring, about fifty yards from 
the lake, whose water tasted as salt as the sea. On 
returning home, we passed over a large piece of 
ground, which had been formerly cleared and culti- 
vated by the settlers, which, on trial, produced nothing, 
arising chiefly from a deficiency of water. 
Thermometer seventy ; cloudy — much vivid light- 
ning, once or twice every minute. To night it had 
generally the appearance of a moon greatly extended 
in length. I was highly gratified while beholding this 
glorious display of the Creator s power. 
4th. Mr. Read preached in the morning, after 
which he married five couple, who were neatly 
dressed, and behaved with much propriety. They 
stood in a semicircle before the pulpit. When the 
congregation was dismissed, each bridegroom led his 
bride home by the hand. 
In the afternoon, two Hottentot members of the 
church, viz. Busak and Cupido gave exhortations. 
