VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 203 
the whole of the hills descending into the vale of the Zwartzkops 
Revier. 
Uitenhagen presents itself pleasantly, with its few white houses, 
and the mansion of the landdrost, at the foot of a range of low 
hills. A plain extends to the southward. Having crossed the 
Zwartzkops Revier, we reached the village about six o'clock, and 
pitched our tent on the common, near the beast-kraal and market. 
Mr. Melville, who went immediately to the post-office, and in 
search of friends, was everywhere unsuccessful. We regretted with 
him the absence of Mr. Swann, the surveyor, from whom we hoped 
to have received much information respecting the unoccupied 
parts of this district. 
CHAPTER XII. 
Transactions nt Uitenhagen. Proposals made hy the landdrost to ex- 
tend our journey . Visit to Bethelsdorp. Remarks on the situation 
of that settlement. Hospitality of Mr. Von Buchejirode. Departure 
from Uitenhagen. Geelhouthoom on Sundays Revier. Elephants 
and buffaloes. Arrival at the JVitte Revier. Description of the 
valley, and of the Schlaghoomfarm. 
April 5th. Our groom, Leonhard, having arrived two days ago, 
had called at the drosty, to exhibit our credentials to the landdrost, 
Colonel Cuyler. After breakfast, I waited upon the Colonel, and de- 
livered to him Colonel Bird's letter, with another from the landdrost 
of George, Mr. Van KerveL He received me with great civility, and 
offered me a room in his house, apologizing for his not being able 
to accommodate our whole party, as his rooms were occupied by 
ofhces of Government, the new building destined for that purpose 
