1811. 
ROODEZANDS KLOOF, 
181 
(or Iron-wood), was not so tough as the other ; but many degrees 
harder and heavier. The boors esteem the iron-wood to be, for this 
purpose, but Httle inferior to the hassagay-wood. 
This business detained us at Van der Merwe's till within an hour 
of sunset. Here we took our last view of Table Mountain, which 
appeared distinct and full in sight, although, in a direct line, its 
distance was not much less than forty-eight miles. 
In a little more than seven hours, we reached the western 
entrance of Roodezand's Kloof (Ked-sand Pass) where we took up 
our station for the night. At this place, a furious stream of wind 
continued pouring, as it were, through this opening in the mountains, 
during the whole time of our stay ; and it has been remarked by the 
boors, that this spot is always subject to strong winds. The difficulty 
of keeping a fire burning, or a candle alight in the waggons, obliged 
us to remain in darkness till morninop. 
26th. We entered the mountains at an early hour in the morning. 
This Kloof appeared much more terrific while travelling through it in 
a waggon, than it did when on horseback. * About the middle of it 
we met another waggon ; and I could not, without considerable 
uneasiness, see how very near to the edge of the precipice the wheels 
of mine were obliged to go, while making room for it to pass. 
Following on foot, I was enabled to collect a variety of plants 
not hitherto met with. These added thirty-six numbers to my 
catalogue, -j- Among them was a shrub more particularly interesting, 
* The Engraving at the end of the chapter is a view of the Kloof, taken when the 
waggons were about half-way through it. A description of this scene has already been 
given on the 19th of April, at page 137. 
f They were, 
Othonna amplexicaulis 
denticulata 
abrotanifolia 
capillaris 
frutescens 
Aizoon lanceolatum 
Berckheya setosa 
Leucodendrum plumosum 
Viscum rotundifolium 
Cluytia Alaterno'ides 
Metrosideros angustifolia 
Aster angustifolius 
Diosma pectinata 
Eriocephalus racemosus 
Rhus incisum. 
With 
