VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. Sl7 
it; but as they seldom plough as much laud as they overcast, the 
seed, thus exposed, during the night becomes the prey of birds or 
field-mice, v/hich they patiently suffer. When I represented to 
them the injury they sustained, they insisted upon it, that it 
must be so done in this country, and endeavoured to explain 
the reason, which I must confess myself too dull to have com- 
prehended. 
The harrow they use, is a triangular frame, formed of three 
pieces of wood, furnished with teeth, four or six inches asunder, 
and doing very little execution. But prejudice defends even 
this bunglinor contrivance. 
I observed in that part of the waste, over which I walked to- 
day a great quantity of Vlachdorn, a decoction of which is so use- 
ful in the stranguary, as mentioned above, (page 269)- But its 
use is hardly known in these parts, where many an ox dies of 
that horrid disease. 
My conversation with Brother Fritsch, led me better to un- 
derstand many subjects connected with the peculiar circum- 
stances and situation of this missionary establishment; and I 
may here observe, that the confidence, with which all the Bre- 
thren treated me, both here and at Gnadenthal, contributed more 
to that knowledge which I obtained of the external and internal 
state of the Mission, than any official statements. I feel myself 
truly thankful for their unreserved communications. 
The Groenekloof farm comprehends a large lot of ground. 
The Hottentots enjoy the benefit of it, and keep, altogether^ a- 
bout four hundred head of cattle; but as to paying an}^, the most 
reasonable, considei ation for their fields, gardens, and other ad- 
vantages, it never enters into their thoughts. Hitherto, the 
Mission must bear all expenses, but by degrees, they should be 
taught to understand the justice and necessity of paying a saiall 
rent, to cover expenses, incurred merely for their sakes. 
26th. Having received from Capetown the leaden-box, meant 
to contain the writing to be placed in the fouudation-stonej 
