1811. 
WINTERHOEK 
129 
shows, that new-comers would prefer that situation which is nearest 
to the head buildings of the settlement. Some spot close to the 
village, would have been the only proper site ; as well on account of 
adding to its size and importance, as of the greater convenience it 
would possess, on many occasions, for transacting public business. 
The two places are now distinguished from each other, by the names 
of Kerk-straat (Church-street), and the Drostdy. This latter is a 
large and handsome stuccoed building *, ornamented in front with a 
portico of three arches, to which the ascent is by a flight of steps. 
It contains several large and lofty rooms ; together with a spacious 
council-room, in which public meetings, and the sittings of the judges 
at the annual circuit, are held. 
The mountains, that on each side bound the valley of Waveren, 
gradually approach each other as they run northward beyond Tul- 
bagh, increasing in elevation ; and at a few miles beyond the Drostdy, 
they unite, forming a nook called Winterhoek (Winter Corner), on 
account of the snow with which the summits liere, are more fre- 
quently covered than in any other part of the range. The valley 
below is exceedingly romantic and secluded ; but the surrounding 
mountains intercept the sun for some time after it has risen, and 
before it has set, to the more open parts of the country ; a circum- 
stance which, particularly in summer, is far from being disadvan- 
tageous. It contains several pleasant farms, and a number of 
streamlets, which, receiving a constant supply from the mountains, 
unite their waters to form the Kleine Berg (Little Mountain) river. 
This, running southward, finds a way, by the Roodezand Kloof, 
through the great western chain, and thence, by a north-westerly 
course, after joining the Groote Ber'g river, discharges itself into 
St. Helena Bay. 
11th. Mr. Ballot having kindly furnished us with horses, in 
order that our own might be left to rest during our stay at Tulbagh, 
* A representation of the Drostdy is given at the end of the cliapter. The distant 
mountain there seen is part of the lofty range of Winterhoeh. At the back of the build- 
ing, or a little more to the right of the picture, is the Witsenberg range. 
S 
