VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 267 
found by persons not acquainted with its bed, as, unless an island 
in the midst of the stream is doubled on the right side, there is 
danger of getting into deep holes and oversetting. We were rather 
under some apprehension, as to the strength of our cattle. The 
Gnadenthal oxen in the baggage-waggon were weak, and the new 
spann young, and not used to cross so large a river, the stream of 
which was very rapid and strong. Marcus also, having once, in 
crossing the Buffeljagds Revier, at this very place, overset, and 
lost seven oxen, expressed some fears; but by God's mercy, we 
reached the opposite shore in safety. Poor Rambler, our faithful 
dog, who had been our companion and pet, during this whole jour- 
ney, happened to be left behind, but swam across, following the 
waggons by the same circuitous course round the island. For this 
exertion, he was rewarded with a larger portion of meat than usual. 
The weather continuing fair, we much enjoyed the view of the 
Zwellendam range of mountains, with their peaked, square, and 
round tops, deep gullies, and woody kloofs, which appeared to great 
advantage, illumined by a bright morning sun. 
About noon we arrived at the drosty. The landdrost and his 
lady received us with their wonted kindness, and, by their hospi- 
tality, made us feel quite at home with them. 
After dinner, we accompanied Mr. Buissini on a visit to the 
clergyman, lately appointed to this living, who but lately arrived 
from Holland. With him we went to see the church. It is a 
convenient building, in form of a cross, without a steeple. The 
organ, being but small, and out of repair, stood in the vestry. Go- 
vernment have not as yet done much towards the support of the 
ecclesiastical establishment in this colony, of which many com- 
plain, thinking it neither consistent wdth their usual liberality, nor 
with that union, which, under British dominion, exists between 
church and state. I believe it would tend much to conciliate, and 
stop the mouths of the disaffected, if the Government at home 
should think fit to authorize more assistance to be given towards its 
maintenance. 
