VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 37 
sition. To the left of the house is the bed of a torrent, passing 
through a deep ravine. After crossing it by a stone arch, the 
path leads to some huge blocks of granite, which form altoge- 
ther a singular mass of rock, overspread by oaks and other trees 
and shrubs, affording shade to the cattle. The grounds are filled 
with all kinds of fruit-trees and useful plants, every one of 
which seems to grow luxuriantly. Peach and orange orchards, 
and beds of pisang and bamboos occupy the slope of the hill. — 
After some time spent with this hospitable family, we returned, 
calling again at Mr. Zorn's house by the way. It is a good Dutch 
building, delightfully situated among shady groves of various 
trees. The garden abounds with a vast variety of large flowering 
shrubs and plants. The portico or gallery, running along the 
whole front of the building, has an espalier roof entirely covered 
with vines, the grapes hanging down in great profusion and beau- 
ty. An aviary contains some curious birds, both from Africa 
and the East Indies. Mr. Zorn was not at home; but we were 
hospitably received by Mr. Cloete, his son-in-law. Walking down 
the hill, the town presents itself very pleasantly, its streets 
crossing each other at right angles, with Table-Bay and the hilly 
country in the back-ground ; but the want of towers and other 
prominent features detracts from its beauty. On the road, Ave 
noticed some large spiders, red locusts, and grasshoppers, peculiar 
to the Cape. My time at home was taken up with visiting both 
the friends of the Mission and some gentlemen in the public of- 
fices. Mr. Ilancke also made me acquainted with Mr, Melville, 
Surveyor to the Government, with whom my readers will become 
yet better acquainted in the course of this narrative. 
29th. Finding that waiting for the landing of the whole of our 
baggage, would detain us too long at Capetown, the Christmas 
holidays having intervened and caused delay at the Custom-house, 
we determined to proceed to Groenekloof this afternoon. 
Mrs. Disandt's children brought me a cameleon, or, as the Dutch 
call it, a trapsoetjes, signifying an animal, that walks cautiously. 
