273 PASSAGE OF THE GREAT RIVER. [1820. 
there was no rise in the river, so that, without 
halting or making any preparation, we passed im- 
mediately over, and unyoked our oxen on the 
south side of the ford. In consequence of the 
Landdrost having lately crossed at that place, we 
gave it the name of the Stokenstroom's Ford. This 
was the fourth time I had forded the Great River 
without having been detained a day by the rising 
of its waters. Several of the dogs, afraid to enter 
so broad a stream, stood for a long time howling 
on the other side, but at length, seeing no alter- 
native between entering the river or remaining 
behind, they silently ventured into it, and soon 
swam over. The spare oxen, after drinking, went 
over without much trouble ; but it was very diffi- 
cult to get our three or four remaining sheep to 
proceed beyond the spot where they felt a 
bottom ; however, after half an hour's exertion, 
they also were brought to the Bushman side. 
One of the youngest of the Matchappees from 
Lattakoo Avho were with us, having never seen so 
extensive a body of water before, actually fainted, 
when he had entered only a few yards into it, 
and the others were obliged to carry him over. 
When we left Campbell at ten a.m. the therm, 
was 66, but on the banks of the river at sunset 
the quicksilver rose to 76. 
The ford lies about midway between the 
mouths of the Cradock and the Alexander Rivers, 
/ 
