120 JOURNAL OF A 
to sixteen oxen, aiicl a light travelling waggon, from eight to 
twelve. Besides the Hottentot driver, who, sitting on the box, 
directs the whole spann, without reins, merely by means of his long 
whip, there is ahvays a man, or sometimes only a little boy em- 
ployed, as a leader. (See p. 39). The heathen Hottentots have no 
mercy upon their draught oxen, and the skin of most of them, is 
cut in all directions by their whips, so as to present to the eye the 
resemblance of net-work. They drive and ride their horses and 
mules, with equal want of feeling, and it is well for them, that the. 
Cape horses are a very hardy race. Nor is it without much teaching, 
even after they have become Christians, that they are convinced 
of the impropriety of such usage of dumb animals, and learn that 
Christian lesson " Be ye merciful, as your Heavenly Father also is 
merciful," Luke, vi. 36. " A righteous man regardeth the hfe of his 
beast, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel," Prov. xii. 
10. We took three saddle-horses with us, to be used, as occasion 
might require, in examining the country. 
Thus equipped, we proceeded with tolerable speed. About one 
hundred and fifty Hottentots, who accompanied us outofGnaden- 
thal across the hills, left us in parties, repeating their farewell be- 
nedictions. Mrs. Melville and her family went with us as far as 
Mr. Von Helsland's farm, on Bock Revier, which we had hoped to 
reach in six hours, but we were full ten hours on the road. The 
moon had set, before Ave arrived, but, late as it was, we found the 
family prepared to receive us in the most hospitable manner. 
6th. About sun-rise, the whole company assembled, with our 
worthy host, under the shade of some oaks, before the door. The 
morning-haze proclaimed a hot day, and we determined to stay 
here, till towards evening, when generally a cool breeze springs up, 
and the moon favoured our proceeding during the night. 
Mr. Von Helsland's estate is well cultivated, and has abundance 
of wood and water. Timber is found in the kloofs or narrow glens, 
intersecting the high range of mountains, which here have a very 
rugged and romantic appearance. 
