VISIT TO SOUTH AFEICA. 45 
very picturesque assemblage of rock, interspersed with trees, aod 
in many parts covered with aloes, many of them at present in full 
bloom. Except in very dry seasons, there is a little rivulet running 
at their foot towards the village. These stones and the cavities a- 
mona: them serve as a retreat for mausehunde or monsooses, nms- 
kiliat cats, and other destructive animals, as also for serpents^ 
salamanders, lizards, mice, and moles. From the heights above the 
burial-ground, a pleasant view of Table-Mountain and its com- 
panions presents itself, and towards the east, part of the Stellenboscli 
range beyond the Dassenberg, and some lower hills are visible. 
At ten o'clock, public service was held, as usual on New-year's day, 
I counted one hundred and seventy Hottentots present. .Brother 
Schmitt delivered a powerful discourse on the name of Jesus. The 
attention of the auditory was such, that not one turned his eye olf 
the preacher, but they all seemed as if they would eat his words^ 
After the sermon, a child was baptized. I was much struck with 
the solemn manner, in Avhich the parents are always previously asked, 
in presence of the whole congregation, whether it is their intention 
to educate the child, now to be baptized, in the fear and admonition 
of the Lord, and to devote it from its infancy to Him alone, as His 
redeemed property. Their answer in the affirmative is generally 
given with an expression of great sincerity and earnestness. Dur- 
ing the whole da}^, parties of.Hottentots came to wish their Teachers a 
happy New-year. Lehrer or Teachers is the name they generally give 
to the missionaries. 
In the evening, some of us went into the settlement, and visited 
several families. The cottages are of different dimensions, materials^ 
and workmanship. Some of the inhabitants are building houses 
with stone walls, which by degrees will become more general. In one 
house, where the people were very neatlj^ dressed, were we treated 
with a pie, usually baked by them for the New-year. It tasted well, 
and they were much pleased to see us partake of their humble meal. 
2d. The morning was spent in conversation concerning the af- 
fairs of the Mission. After dinner, I took a walk up the hill to tiie 
