VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 231 
fall is over eight or ten ledges of rocks, and the lower plunges, in 
several streams, into a deep basin. Large timber-trees, and wide- 
spreading bushes adorn the steep banks of the brook. 
Our company accidentally dividing, I walked with Dr. Mack- 
rill through the wood, in which he hoped to treat me with a siglit 
of buschbocks, and some of the many monkeys that inhabit.it. 
We saw none; but the footsteps of a tyger were distinctly marked 
on the sandy path; and two serpents were killed. 
After tea, many Hottentots and slaves came to the tent, to 
whom Brother Schmitt read the history of our Saviour's resur- 
rection, and delivered a short discourse. The poor people seemed 
very attentive and thankful. 
15th. The aim of our visit to Somerset, was, by Dr.Mackrill's as- 
sistance, to obtain some knowledge of the farm, belonging to a Mr. 
P., now taken from him by Government, on account of the part he 
took in the late rebellion, and, as above stated, proposed by the 
landdrost, as an eligible situation for a missionary establishment, for 
which he thought it might be easily obtained, notwithstanding there 
had been some idea of making it a military post. Though we could 
not get over our objections against applying for the possession of 
a confiscated domain, yet we should not have felt satisfied hereaf- 
ter, had we not accepted of the landdrost's kind offer, to give us 
an opportunity of seeing its situation. We therefore left Somerset 
for Mr. P.'s placCj about nine o'clock, Mr. Austin, the deputy far- 
mer, and Mr. Oakely, a young gentleman, studying under the Sur- 
veyor Mr. Swann, accompanying us on horseback. Mr. Melville 
had gone to the. house of Commandant Nels, to meet his friend 
Mr. Swann, and we sent the baggage-waggon, to wait for us at Mr. 
Van Klerk's. 
Our conductors thought, that our aim in visiting Mr. P.'s farm, 
had better remain unknown, and the party be announced as only 
accompanying an English gentleman on his travels through the 
colony. 
We crossed the Little Fish River twice, keeping along the plain, 
