342 
JOURNAL OF A 
Hangeklip, on False-bay. The house and premises are well built, 
and prove the long-existing wealth of the owners. 
Constantia was built and settled by the celebrated Governor, 
Van Stell, the founder of Stellenbosch, who, by his superior sense 
and liberal mind, proved a great promoter of the welfare of this 
colony. He named the place Constantia, in honour of his wife, 
that being her Christian name. He was a man of great activity; 
enterprising, and generous. Many of the best situations in the co- 
lony owe their origin to him. But it is said, that the Company 
gained nothing under him, as he studied only his own private inte- 
rest. Be it so ; they have, however, been great gainers by the effects 
of his industry, and, no doubt, he deserved to reap the benefit of 
his talents, while he lived. Two statues, in niches, one over the 
door of the mansion, and the other over the cellar-door, are intend- 
ed to represent the lady Constantia. 
After walking out to see the vineyards, which are very extensive, 
we spent an hour in pleasant conversation. The cellar is con- 
structed like that of Mr. Colin, and his wine not superior. 
Adjoining the cellar, is a room with a billiard-table. From the 
back-door, a flight of stone steps leads to a brook in a close vale. 
Mr. Cloete has always been a friend to the missionaries at Groe- 
nekloof, and was some time ago their neighbour. He is now lame, 
and thought, that he could not return the visit, at Groenekloof. 
A large grove of old oaks, planted in quincunx, affords shade to 
the premises, and the plantations are kept in good order. There is 
an appearance of ancient grandeur about the place, which pleased 
us much. In the hall stands a stalactite, taken out of a cave 
near Caledon, about eight or nine feet in length. It is set upon 
its broad top, and narrowing fast towards the middle, made a 
Dutchman think that its beauty consisted in its resemblance to a 
huge candlestick, with the candle in it. That vitiated taste, how- 
ever, is fast declining among the Dutch, and nature is no longer 
outraged as formerly, when trees and hedges, cut into all manner of 
