VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 149 
with letters to Mr. Rex, and a list of places in onr route. To 
Mr. Zaayman also, a farmer, at whose house we were to spend 
the first night, directions were sent to put us forward on our re- 
turn from Jackal's Kraal, in case we took the road over the Dui- 
velskop into the Lange Kloof. Our oM^n spann of twelve oxen, 
which we had brought hither from Zwellendam, were left, by his 
advice, at George, as they would serve us on our return, but were 
too weak to be of any use in crossing the mountains. 
At eight o'clock we took leave of this worthy man. I have 
seldom, if ever, met with a character so justly deserving all the 
praise bestowed upon him, for the exercise of those qualities 
which distinguish a good magistrate, master, and friend. Not 
long ago he lost an amiable partner, of whom the servants and 
slaves in the family spoke with the sincerest esteem, and tears 
of regret. To us he behaved like a father, felt interested 
in the success of our undertaking, and it would be ingratitude 
in the extreme, not to add our tribute of thankful praise to the 
general voice. To Hottentots and slaves he conducted himself not 
with that severe, repelling air, assumed by so many, who think 
themselves belonging to a higher class of beings, but with friendly 
condescension, calling forth both their reverence and love. Our 
Hottentots spoke often with gratitude of the goodness of the land- 
drost of George. In his house, peace and order reigned, and his 
friends and relatives, among whom was his nephew, Mr. Du Toit, 
treated us with the greatest civility. On taking leave, he repeated 
his pressing invitation, on our return, again to make his hospitable 
mansion our home. 
The farmer, to whom the oxen belonged, and the Veldcornet, 
accompanied us, to lend assistance in passing through the defiles 
of Kayman's Gat, (the crocodile's cove), and Trekata'kou, (the 
maiden's ford), by which we had to enter Plettenberg bay. Early 
in the morning, thick fogs had again spread themselves over the 
mountains, and we began to fear an unpleasant day, and the loss 
of the romantic views Mr. Van Kervel had described, as awaiting 
