VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 
103 
troduced to Mr. Hammes, who accompanied the Rev. Mr. Camp- 
bell on his late tour to visit the settlements of the Missionarv^ 
Society in London. 
15th. I called this morning upon Mr. Melville, Surveyor to 
Government, of whose friendly letter to me I made mention on 
the 6th. His house is situated towards the foot of the Duivels- 
berg, or Devil's hill. On communicating to him my inten- 
tion of making a journey into the interior, he expressed an in- 
clination to accompany me, at least part of the way, which, though 
uncertain how it might accord with our plans, I immediately felt 
disposed to encourage, and before I left Capetown, my companions 
most gladly concurring in the measure, we made an arrange- 
ment, by which Mr. Melville and his family were to follow us in 
a fortnight to Gnadenthal, and leaving Mrs. Melville and the 
children there, give us the pleasure of his company, as long as 
his other engagements would permit. I then waited on Colo- 
nel Bird, and had a long and satisfactory conversation with him, 
respecting the affairs of Groenekloof and the above-mentioned 
journey. He kindly furnished me with a list of all the loan pla- 
ces belonging to Government, situated on the Chamtoos and Klein 
Reviers. Mr. Alexander coming in, insisted on my accompany- 
ing him to his seat at Kerstenbosch ; and hoping that I might find 
there a favourable opportunity of conversing with him, as First 
Colonial Secretary, on some business, which I felt anxious to have 
completed, I agreed and went with him. Passing Newlands, we 
met Mr. Bentinck, whom Mr. Alexander prevailed upon to re- 
turn and dine with us. The presence of this very agreeable gen- 
tleman prevented the conversation I had proposed to myself. 
As wolves every now and then descend from the mountains be- 
hind the house, and pass through the premises, and the moon 
shone bright, I stood long at the window, in vain watching for 
them. My curiosity was punished with a severe cold. 
I6th. In the morning I felt unwell, but walked before break- 
