VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 369 
building, facing an opening towards the sea, and bounded by low- 
hills, planted with a variety of trees and bushes. An extensive lawn 
and garden slope down the gentle declivity. 
On entering the drawing-room, we met a large company, chiefly 
officers of different regiments, now stationed in the island, waiting 
for the Governor. I confess 1 felt rather uncomfortable, not see- 
ing Sir Thomas Reade arrive, to account for the appearance of a 
stranger among these military men in full dress. But when Sir 
Hudson entered the apartment, and Captain Forbes introduced me 
to him, his Excellency made me truly welcome, assuring me, that 
he should have felt much hurt, if I had not accompanied my friends. 
To my astonishment, I found here a gentleman, with whom I had 
contracted some acquaintance in England, Mr. Brook, Secretary 
to the colony. 
Sn' Thomas Reade having joined us, we sat down to dinner, 
twenty-one in number. The conversation was free, and conducted 
throughout with the most correct attention to propriety. Sir 
Hudson had the kindness to place me next to the Secretary, that 
we might renew our acquaintance. Lady Lowe had been confined 
about a month ago, and did not attend to-day. About nine o'clock 
the party broke up, and the moon shining bright, all the officers 
returned, either on foot or on horseback, to their stations in different 
parts of the island. Sir Hudson desired us to make his house our 
home. 
29th. I awoke at day-break, and feeling no inclination to waste 
my time in sleep, in a place, so remarkable in itself, and rendered 
much more so by recent events, I instantly quitted my bed, and 
left the house before sunrise, to form acquaintance with as much 
of the surrounding country, as the time before breakfast would 
permit 
1 first went to the pleasure-grounds. They are laid out in 
terraces, descendmg towards a valley, in which some cottages are 
iniiabited by Chinese gardeners and labourers. A flower-garden, 
in the Dutch style, is prepajing for Lady Lowe, who delights 
