14 
A WALK ROUND THE 
28—29 Nov. 
that the Hottentot had still more difficulty in understanding that 
language in its pure and grammatical state. The English language 
may be said to be quite unknown to the natives beyond the colonial 
boundary, and even within that line it is very little understood, 
excepting in Cape Town. * 
I resolved, therefore, to consider Cape Town as my place of 
abode for a few months, expecting that a part of this time would be 
well employed in making collections in Natural History ; thus saving 
myself the labour of bringing from a distance that which might here 
more easily be procured close at hand. Much of this time would be 
required for purchasing and collecting together a multitude of things 
necessary for such a journey, and for finding a number of Hottentots 
both qualified and willing to accompany me ; for it was soon evident 
that such must be my only companions. 
29th. As soon as my baggage was all safely landed, and I had 
got over the first bustle of introductions and visits, my curiosity to 
see the environs of the town could not longer be restrained ; and 
Mr. Hesse proposed that we should this afternoon take a walk 
round the Lion Mountain. 
As we passed along the western skirts of the town, I continued 
to admire the cleanness and good appearance of the houses, and the 
magnificence of the surrounding mountains. Owing to its great 
height and undivided form. Table Mountain does not at first appear 
to be so distant from the town as it really is ; but as we approach, it 
seems to recede gradually, disclosing to the observer its enormous 
mass, and apparently, at every step, towering higher and higher 
above his head. 
As soon as we had passed the houses, my attention, in spite of 
myself, was entirely engrossed by the rich and wonderful variety of 
plants that grew in every spot. In the bushes, weeds, and herbage 
by the road-side, at every step I recognised some well-known flower 
* And at present (1821) in the District of Albany. 
