358 JOURNAL OF A 
of his children seemed to require his return. My long visit to this 
colony, had made me so far participate in its welfare, that 1 joined 
Mr. Poleman in his objections, as both his congregation, the public, 
and our Mission, will experience great loss by Mr. Hesse's re- 
moval. During my last stay at Capetown, I made a point of 
returning home every evening to supper, that I might enjoy the 
society of my worthy hostess, Mrs. Disandt, and her family. 
14th. A pedestrian expedition round the Lion's head having 
been planned by Mr. liancke, Ave were not deterred by the appear- 
ance of a rainy day, but having met at Mr. Poleman's house, set 
out. The company consisted of Messrs. Hancke, Poleman, Hesse, 
and myself. It was their intention to reach Weilerskloof to break- 
fast, but we could get no farther than Mr. Schmidt's on the north- 
east ascent of the hill. There a heavy shower kept us prisoners for 
some time, when we proceeded, in Ijopes of better weather. The 
air was clear, and, as we walked up the kloof, between the Lion's 
head and Table-Mountain, we had a good view of the town and 
bay. The summits of the mountains were enveloped in clouds. 
Amends, however, was made by the coolness of the air, which 
made walking pleasant. On reaching the top of the kloof, an ex- 
tensive prospect rewards the traveller, and the range of rocks and 
precipices, forming the south-west side of Table-Mountain, with 
the promontories of Hout-bay have a grand appearance. Turning 
to the right, round the Lion's head, we arrived at a villa, belonging 
to Mr. Horak. This place, given to him by the Earl of Caledon, 
has been greatly improved, by clothing the steep ascent with plan- 
tations of AVitteboom and other trees. The gardens surround 
the circular mansion in concentric circles. Behind the house, 
stone steps lead to a picturesque group of rocks. Here, under 
the shade of various trees, planted on every practicable shelf, and 
between the masses of stone, a cool retreat is atforded on a hot 
summer's day. 
After some rest, and pleasant conversation with the owner, we 
continued our walk, on a good road, to the villa of Mr. Beck. 
