17^ JOURNAL OF A 
the next station. Thither our host proposed to bring us, but not be- 
fore noon. As the oj-ders of the landdrost to the Veldcornets were 
given, under the supposition, that we should cross the mountains by 
Mr. Zaayman's, and over the Duivelskop, it was our own fault, that 
we did not meet with relays on this road. We thus lost more in 
time, than we gained in distance. Having pitched our tent in the 
field near the house, and given our host a good supper, we enjoyed 
a comfortable night's rest. 
26th. Wc breakfasted in the house with the family, and had the 
pleasure of treating them with a dish of genuine and well-made 
coffee. They are poor, and have many children, whom they find 
it difficult to maintain. Wherever we found this to be the ca-sc, 
far from v. ishing to lessen their stock of provisions, by oiu' requi- 
sitions, we gave them what we could afford, out of the supplies 
we had brought with us, or purchased from richer boors. But 
tlio\igh they were poor, Mr and Mrs. Barkhuis treated us in re- 
turn; and sweeter grapes and richer milk, we had nowhere tasted, 
since we left Gnadenthal. Some friends of our host were here, 
and dined with us. Their conversation turned upon that never- 
fiiihng subject of complaint against the English Government, the 
new taxes, and the measuring and valuing of the lands. 
About two o'clock, we left Khp Revier, and set out for Kier- 
booms Revier, belonging to the mother of our host, where we ex- 
pected to procure relays. The road was very uneven, in many 
places steep and rocky, and having our host's son, a huge lad of 
seventeen, for our driver, his giddiness and inattention caused us 
considerable alarm. In about three hours, we arrived at the above- 
mentioned place, wdiere we not only found no oxen, but no tidings 
of the result of our message to the Veldcornet. Here, therefore, we 
were again detained, with a family apparently not well pleased with 
our visit. An old lady, of extraordinary bulk, and determined coun- 
tciiance, occupied one corner of the room, and not a smile or inviting 
word bid us welcome. After staring some time at one another, the 
usual laconic address was uttered ; " Sit " was the word, and avc 
