VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 
31 
advantage having been taken of every short puff of wind to get in 
closer, we found ourselves in the morning of the 24th near Rob- 
ben Island, in the neighbourhood of which rocks are numerous 
and dangerous. A current setting towards them, the want of 
wind made our entrance from the north-west rather hazardous, 
and we waited anxiously for the sea breeze. The sky was per- 
fectly clear, and the sun rose with great majesty, behind tlie 
Stellenbosch mountains. About eight, a gentle breeze sprung up, 
and we sailed forward. A grampus followed us, and numerous 
large gulls, with Avhite bodies, and black wings, tipped with white 
edgings, hovered about the ship, as we entered the bay. 
Table-Bay is surrounded by very picturesque scenery, upon 
which the eye may feast for a long time without weariness. We 
therefore did not regret the slowness, with which we approached, 
the anchoring-place, off the town. Capetown presents itself plea- 
santly situated at the foot of the Table-Mountain. The whiteness 
of its buildings give it a cheerful appearance ; but the low tower of 
the Calvinist church, surmounted by a squat pyramidal steeple, 
is its only prominent feature. As we moved slowly forward, we 
were boarded by the harbour-master, who came to demand the 
mail-bags. The doctor accompanied him, to examine into the 
state of health of the crew and passengers. Before this has been 
done, no one is suffered to land. A pilot having brought the ship 
to an anchor, I went on shore, to inquire about lodgings, and hav- 
ing met with a most cordial reception from our worthy friend 
Mrs. Disandt and her family, returned on board with her son Mr. 
Daniel Disandt, to bring the company on shore. 
We landed at the pier, and soon found ourselves comfortably 
lodged at Mrs. Disandt's house, in the Graave Straat, not far from 
the church, thankful to God, that we had now reached the place 
of our destination, after so safe and prosperous a voyage. 
