52 
JOURTS'AL OF A 
ceediiig by huge dunghills made by iunumerable horsts of bats,; 
which covered the walls and ceilings of the horrid dungeon. Con- 
trast the life, which these leathern-winged animals are doomed to 
suffer, with that of the feathered tribes, sporting in the unbounded 
regions of the air above us, and one might almost be led, by com- 
parison, to form an idea of the difterence between the states of con- 
demned and happy spirits hereafter. I also visited Mr. Villette's 
collection of the natural curiosities of this country. He stuffs 
birds, and preserves serpents and insects remarkably well. 
11th. My intention to spend this day in writing and visiting 
some friends was frustrated, by Mr. Alexander's calling early to 
take me to Nevvlands to breakfast, at his Excellency's desire. As 
it appeared, that unreserved conversation with the Governor faci- 
litated the business committed to me, I was glad of the opportu- 
nity to renew it; nor was I disappointed. After breakfast, we 
drove to Kersteiibosch, a country-house belonging to Mr. Alex- 
ander, at the foot of the rocky mountains south-west of Table- 
Hill. The country is wild, well wooded, and exhibiting a rich 
profusion of curious shrubs and plants, some in flower. Rocks 
of singular shapes overhang the dark oak woods behind the house, 
and a cascade, issuing from the upper regions of these romantic 
hills, shoots down a dark glen. Among the woods and rocks 
wolves, jackals, and tygers, have a safe retreat. The soil is sandy, 
well watered, and consequently fruitful. The witteboom (silver- 
tree) grows here in abundance. After a short stay, we returned to 
town, passing through several new plantations of various kinds of 
trees, skirting the ascent towards the mountains, to the country- 
seat of the Honourable General Meade, Deputy Governor of the 
colony. It is situated in the vineyards, and has extensive gar- 
dens, in which some curious plants from Botany Bay and China, 
were cultivated with great care and success by the General, who 
is highly respected both in his military capacity, and as a man of 
great taste and science. His having left the colony has caused 
universal regret. I spent the afternoon with the Reverend Mr. 
