VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 
men whose conversation was in a great degree interesting and in- 
structive; Professor Reinward, going out with the Dutch fleet on 
a scientific tour to Java and other islands; Mr. Poleman, a medical 
gentlemafl of this town, of superior merit, whose acquaintance 
proved most agreeable and useful to me, during my stay at the Cape ; 
Captain Hamilton, of the royal navy, an old acquaintance, Avho hav- 
ing accompanied Buonaparte to St. Helena, gave us a v*y interest- 
ing account of the voyage. 
10th. Mr. Alexander having proposed to take me to Hottentot's 
Holland, and to show me some improvements, both on his own pro- 
perty and on some farms near Stellenbosch, which might be applied 
in our settlements, Brother Bonatz resolved to return Avith the 
waggon to Groenekloof, and with his party to meet me at Plotten- 
tot-Holland's Kloof. I spent part of the forenoon at the Secretary's 
office, where I had much previous conversation with Mr. Alexander 
respecting the extension of the Mission in the interior, and per- 
ceived with gratitude the readiness shown to forward the under- 
taking, a« recommended by the Government at home, and to fur- 
nish me Avith every useful information, 
To-day, I became acquainted with the Rev. Mr. Hesse, minister of 
the Lutheran church, a man universally and deservedly respected, 
and found in him a true friend and adviser. With him and his family 
I spent much time most agreeably, Avhenever I visited CapetoAvn. 
Calling on Mr. Poleman, he gave me an entertaining account of 
a journey he had made some time ago to a remarkable cavern in 
Kango, a part of the district of Zwellendam, from Avhence he had 
brought some very singular stalactites. It is, by his account, one 
of the largest and most curious subterranean excavations in the 
knoAvn Avorld, Avhose vast chambers and dark recesses have not yet 
been fully explored. The stalactites in some of its halls are from 
sixteen to tAventy-four feet in height, forming majestic groups of 
columns, supporting, in appearance, immense domes. Mr. Pole- 
man, Avhose ardor led him to venture into many passages and ca- 
vities never yet visited, Avas in some places prevented from pro- 
