152 
JOURNAL OF A 
but when farther urged, they turned sharp round, and threw the 
whole spann into such confusion, that there was some danger of the 
waggon rolhng down and dragging the shaft-oxen backwards. It 
was therefore necessary to bring up twelve of the second spann to 
their assistance, and after a long time spent in unyoking the former, 
placing them again in order, and adding the latter, it afforded a 
singular sight to see twenty-six oxen, with all their might work- 
ing the waggon up the layers of rock, of which the road consisted; 
every five minutes resting to take breath. After the heavy waggon 
had reached the summit, both spanns were sent down to fetch 
up the travelling waggon, which, being lighter, was more easily 
accomphshed. 
It is impossible to describe all the romantic glens and singular 
scener}-, with which this region abounds. 
The farmer, notwithstanding the excessive fatigue his cattle had 
suffered, after short rest determined to proceed, without an out- 
spann at Barbier's Kraal, as proposed. Our road lay now through 
a thick wood, in w hich many a mighty tree seems to have yielded 
to the axe. Bushrope, or Bavianstau, a species of creeper resem- 
bling a rope, grows here in abundance, and nearly envelopes some 
of the loftiest trees, to the destruction of their growth and beauty. 
In the Avoods, a number of Hottentots and slaves were busily em- 
ployed in sawing, and preparing planks, beams, and shingles. In 
about an hour, we arrived at Trekata'kou, the second grand defile, 
justly dreaded by travellers. The descent from the west, though 
rugged and steep, is not attended with more difficulty than many 
others in this mountainous country. The view towards the mass 
of hills to the north, is remarkably grand and beautiful. 
On these occasions. Brother Schmitt always attended the wag- 
gons, and, depending on his skill, precaution, and advice, we 
could rest satisfied, that every care was taken to prevent mischief, 
and overthrow. After crossing a rapid mountain-stream at the bot- 
tom of the glen, rushing through the dark recesses of a wild w^ood, 
over a stony bed, and forming, to the left of the road, a large pool 
