13 April, 1811. 
DUNKERHOEK-BERG. 
in 
setting fire to the old withered grass, as the means of clearing the 
pastures. The flames, spreading rapidly, scorch and destroy every 
shrub and plant in their way, and pervade the whole farm, unless 
stopped by a river, or a beaten road. In ascending the Dunkerhoek 
(Dark Corner) mountains, part of the Baviaan's Kloof chain, the 
devastation occasioned by this custom wa« very striking, in the fatal 
havoc it had lately made amongst the finest plants of proteas, heaths, 
and the richest variety of shrubs we had passed in our ride. That 
delicate and beautiful heath, Eiica vestita, with white flowers, grows 
here, as was discoverable by one large plant which had escaped the 
conflagration. Antholyza lucidor, and Aulax umhellata^ were recog- 
nised, although quite scorched up. Every thing was nearly con- 
sumed or destroyed, and the black, charcoal-like state of this 
shrubbery presented a singular, but melancholy appearance. * 
We continued our ride for several miles over an elevated 
mountainous tract, where no signs of a habitation were to be seen ; 
the sun had set, leaving us under the dismal apprehension of having 
missed the right road, and of being left to wander all night in a 
region where deep ravines and precipices occurred on either side. 
Just as the twilight was drawing to a close, we perceived a house 
down in the valley below ; and, on arriving at it, had the satis- 
faction of finding that it was the dwelling of a farmer named 
Jacobus Du Toit, where we had intended taking up our quarters 
for the night. We met with a cordial reception ; a Hottentot was 
instantly called to take our horses, and we were no sooner seated, 
than the good lady of the house poured us out a cup of tea ; an 
article which, in most farm-houses, is always kept in readiness, as 
a beverage that may be taken at any hour of the day. 
We took our seat at the family table, and supper was prolonged 
by a variety of questions from our host and his wife, respecting 
the nature and object of my intended expedition. On such topics 
* The natural productions of this day's journey are noted under the date of the 7th 
to the 10th of March, 1815. 
