VISIT TO SOUTH AFEICA. 127 
which we had felt ourselves quite at home. In Mr. Von Buissuii, 
we found a friend, and a man of superior intellect and information. 
He speaks English fluently, as likewise German and other lan- 
guages, and possesses a good library. Mrs. Buissini is a lady ot 
most affable and benevolent character, and treated Sister Schniitt 
with great kindness. She also bestowed several necessary articles 
of provisions upon us, such as fowls, wheaten bread, and garden- 
fruits. At her request, Sister Schmitt visited a Hottentot maid- 
servant, who formerly belonged to the Groenekloof congregation, 
till her husband finding work in this place brought her hither. 
She was confined to her bed by a severe illness, and on seeing 
Sister Schmitt enter the room, burst into a flood of tears, exclaim- 
ing, " This, indeed, is in answer to my prayers, for I have cried 
" incessantly unto the Lord, especially during my present illness, 
to grant me the favour, again to see one of my teachers." 
The landdrost had mentioned the Settlement at Zuurbrack, 
belonging to the Missionary Society in London, about half a 
day's journey from Zwellendam, as worthy of our notice, and 
had given orders to our drivers to pass through that place, on our 
way to the next station at the Groot Vader's Bosch. They were 
civil, good-humoured people, and drove at a brisk rate, often at 
a sharp trot. The road was good, the weather pleasant, clear, 
and cool, and our party in excellent spirits. As we left Zwellen- 
dam, the views to the south became more extensive, and the 
mountains to the north assumed a milder character, till the view 
of the high range was intercepted by lower hills. 
Farms are not numerous in this part of the country. We crossed 
several brooks, and regretted to see a good deal of water, that pre- 
cious fructifying agent in this dry land, running to waste, though 
the valleys appeared capable of culture. But the land allotted 
to each farm occupies so large a tract of country, and labourers 
are so scarce, that some apology may be made for the inhabitants. 
Since the slave-trade has been abolished, and the slaves remaining 
in the colony are sold at an enormous price, particularly if they are 
