130 
JOURNAL OF A 
of the vaUcy, while the sides of the mountains were buried in shade. 
The river scenieti t ■ fly from tlie dark reeesses of the kloof towards 
a milder region. Close by the ford lay the skeleton of an ox; 
wolves, jackals, and tygers, having feasted on its fiesh, of which but 
little was left for Mr. Seidenfaden's large dog. This tine animal had 
accompanied us, and now improved the opportunity of making a 
meal of the remainder; for the dogs belonging to African farmers 
and Hottentots are not regularly fed, but live upon wdiat they find. 
Having secured the wild ox, we proceeded, and soon took leave of 
our worthy friends, who returned to Zuurbrack, with our best wishes 
and prayers for God's blessing to rest upon their labours. 
Our road lay througii the vallej^, and as long as it was light, we 
feasted our eyes on the delightful scenery, till we reached the farm 
of Mr. Van Ass, in Groot Vader's Bosch. This was the first boor's 
house, to wdiich w^e had recourse for a night's lodging. When we 
produced the landdrost's order for Vorspann, Mr. Van Ass made 
many difficulties, complaining, that it put him to great inconve- 
nience to harbour and forward us on our journey ; that he had no 
beds, and could render us no assistance in providing supper; though 
there were ten or more slaves and Hottentot maids in his kitchen, 
unemployed. At length, he showed us into a room, where we might 
put down our mattrasses, and even agreed, that Sister Schmitt might 
have the use of the kitchen-fire. Finding us satisfied with his 
arrangements, he brightened up a little, and entered into conver- 
sation with civiiit}'. As it turned out a wet night, our Hottentots 
slept in the tent. 
10th. A thick fog covered the mountains, but while we were at 
breakfa&t, it cleared away, and presented to our view a charming 
landscape. Mr. Van Ass's premises seem formerly to have been 
kept in better order than they are at present. Pie is a bachelor, 
and his domestics appeared to be an idle crew. Sister Schmitt, 
having discovered, that several of the women professed to belong to 
the Zuurbrack congregation, though they very seldom went thither, 
represented to theiu, how much they had to answer for, when so fa- 
