=86 
TRAVELS IN 
when the Avinds blow between east and south, or directly into 
the bay, a heavy swell breaks upon the beach, which makes 
it dangerous, and frequently impracticable, for boats to land ; 
but these Minds are never so violent, nor so lasting, as at 
the Cape ; and shijjs may ride at anchor in perfect security 
about three quarters of a mile from the landing place. The 
south-Avest winds, that frequently blow with great violence 
from April to September, bring into the bay a most tre- 
mendous sea, setting round Cape Saint Blaize. At this season 
of the year it would be highJy imprudent for ships to enter 
Mossel Bay. 
A rill of water glides over the sandy beach, where there is 
the best landing, and it is easily conveyed into casks in the 
boats, by means of a hose ; but it is a very scanty stream, ' 
and not altogether free from saline impregnations. To the 
south-east of this landing place is another small cove toler- 
ably sheltered, and deep enough to admit vessels of ten or 
twelve feet draught of water. At either of these coves piers 
for landing and shipping goods might conveniently be con- 
structed, and at a small expence, as materials may be pro- 
cured upon the spot. Boats, however, may land at every 
part of the bay ; and the adjacent country would easily afford 
supplies for about five hundred men. 
The mouths of the rivers that fall into tiie bay are generally 
blocked up v/ith sand. They abound with various kinds of 
fjsh, and on the rocky parts of the coast are plenty of muscles 
^nd excellent oysters. The chief produce of the surrounding 
