SOUTHERN AFRICA. 57 
10. Diakensfein and its environs consist of a fertile tract of 
country, situate at the feet of the great chain of mountains, 
at the distance of 30 to 40 miles from the Cape. The whole 
extensive valley of Drakenstein is well watered by the Berg 
River and its numerous branches ; the soil is richer than in 
most parts of the colony, and the sheltered and warm situa- 
tion is particularly favourable to the growth of the vine and 
different kinds of fruit. 
a. This subdivision of Little Drakenstein occupies the mid- 
dle of the valley, and contains many substantial farms, most 
of them freehold property ; in fact, the two Drakensteins and 
the next subdivision supply two- thirds of the wine that is 
brought to the Cape market. 
b. Fransche Hoeck, or the French Corner, is situated in the 
south-east angle of the valley among the mountains, and took 
its name from the French refugees having settled there, when 
they fled to this country after the revocation of the edict of 
Nantz. To these people the colony is indebted for the intro- 
duction of the vine. The estates here are mostly freehold pro- 
perty, and produce little else than wine and fruits. 
c. The village of the Paarl is situated at the foot of a hill 
that shuts in the Valley of Drakenstein on the west side. It 
consists of about thirty habitations disposed in a line, but so 
far detached from each other, with intermediate orchards, 
gardens, and vineyards, as to form a street from half a mile to 
a mile in length. About the middle of this street, on the east 
side, stands the church, a peat octagonal building covered 
VOL. II. I 
