38 
GOVERNOR'S LEVEE AND BALL. 
7—24' Jan. 
*lt]i. At six o'clock in the morning, a shock of an earthquake 
was felt by many persons, although it was so slight as not to awaken 
me. In countries which have for a great length of time been subject 
to earthquakes, their inhabitants may pass over so slight a shock as 
this, without any alarm ; but to others, to whom this power of nature 
is known only by description, the smallest symptom of it is really 
terrifying. In Cape Town, at this time, the least circumstance re- 
sembling it was capable of exciting their fears ; and I have known a 
whole party, in the midst of their conviviality, fly precipitately out of 
the house on one of the guests happening, in a lively mood, to 
dance across the room above that in which they were assembled, 
and cause the floor to shake. 
18^/i. Yesterday, in honor of the Queen's birth-day, the Go- 
vernor gave, as usual, a grand dinner to about two hundred persons, 
Dutch and English. On this day his levee was well attended ; and 
in the evening a public ball was given at the Government-house. 
At these parties I had a very favourable opportunity of seeing the 
heau monde of Cape Town. The ball-room was crowded. The ladies, 
who were for the greater part Dutch, were dressed neatly, and to 
great advantage ; and both they and the gentlemen appeared to have 
adopted the fashions and manners of English society. Country- 
dances afforded the chief amusement ; neither waltzes nor quadrilles 
being at that time generally in vogue. After supper, the dancing 
was renewed with spirit, and continued until a late hour, the party 
being apparently much gratified. 
23rc?. This night the Devil's Mountain presented a curious 
sight. At about two-thirds of its height, it was encircled by an irre- 
gular line of fire, which continued slowly advancing towards the 
summit, varying in direction and in brightness. It had been con- 
stantly burning during the day-time ; but was not visible till darkness 
came on ; and, having expended itself, went out before the next 
morning. Although it was amusing to watch the progress of this 
line, I could not view it with the eye of an unconcerned spectator ; 
for, having made arrangements for an excursion to the top of Table 
