218 
JOURNAL OP A 
it was one of tlie most singular spots we had seen during the whole 
journey. To the right, a steep woody bank terminates in a high 
black rock, on which stood a tall tree, spreading its branches above 
the rest. Under this tree, Mr. Sclieper had placed a seat, and 
there found a safe retreat, from whence he might fire at elephants 
passing through his premises, without danger of an attack from 
them, if not immediately killed. 
The old farm-house and out-houses were demolished b}'^ the 
Caffres, about fifteen years ago. The present dwelling, put 
up in place of the house burnt by those ferocious invaders, is a 
hovel, not much better than a Hottentot's bondhoek. We found 
Mrs. Scheper at home, and met with a friendly l eception. Some 
dragoons stationed here, seemed likewise pleased with a visit 
lioni their countrymen. If this delightful spot were situated in a 
country, where protection might be had from wild beasts, and still 
wilder men, it would be coveted by every lover of fine scenery, and 
fetci] a great price. But here it is of Uttle value, as long as the 
unhappy disturbances between the boors and the Caffres continue 
to exist, even when no actual war is carried on. Mrs. Scheper, who 
was a person of better appearance and manners than many of her 
class, grew eloquent in describing their situation: " What signi- 
fies,'' said she, " our building a good house to live in, and substan- 
" tial and expensive premises, in a place like this, when, before we 
" are aware, the Caffres push through the wood, set all on fire, and 
*' murder those, who cannot save themselves by flight? Again» 
" what pleasure can we have in a fine garden, stocked with good 
fruit-trees, and garden-stuff, when, after nil our trouble, the ele- 
*' phants descend from the kloofs, break through fences and railings, 
" as if nothing Avas in their way, pull up or tear to pieces our 
" trees, trample down or devour all our crops, and lay the whole 
" garden waste? No! we must make shift as well as we can, and 
" the less we have to lose, the less we have to regret." She seem- 
ed to speak from a feeling of much unhappiness, in being obliged 
to dwell in such a country. 
