1811. 
WINTERHOEK — HOSTILE CAFFRES. 
185 
more than half the load : but I considered that, on many occasions, 
for the purposes of short journeys, or of fetching home large game 
shot at a distance from the principal waggon, a light vehicle of this 
size would be found useful ; and therefore, to increase its lightness, 
I had the sides enclosed with reeds * instead of boards. 
Thfe situation of Winterhoek is to be admired for its pleasantness 
and singularity. A few farm-houses, surrounded by trees, and dis- 
persed here and there over this secluded little tract of country, had 
a very picturesque sheltered appearance, in the bosom of lofty 
mountains whose summits were at this time covered with snow. 
SOth. The weather beginning to assume a rainy aspect, raised 
our fears that the Breede river (Broad river) would soon be impassable. 
My fellow traveller became impatient to ford it before the torrents 
from the mountains had reached its bed. This river may, without 
danger, be crossed, till about twenty four hours after heavy rains : 
but on the second day, the waters begin to find their way to it, and 
often detain the traveller a fortnight on its banks. To avoid this, it 
was arranged that he, and the other missionary whom we expected to 
join our party at Tulbagh, should set out on the day after the morrow, 
as I, who was obliged to remain till the waggon was ready, could 
easily overtake them by the help of voorspans. 
July \st. Mr. Anderson came this morning, to apprize me 
that he had received fresh intelligence respecting the body of 
hostile Caffres lying in our route. They had, it was reported, 
stationed themselves in the Karreebergen (Karee Mountains) for 
the purpose of intercepting us. Their leaders were the same who, 
a year or two before, had visited Cape Town for the purpose of 
petitioning the governor to interfere between them and their own 
chiefs ; from whom they had revolted, on account, they said, of 
unredressed grievances. Instead of acceding to their wishes. His 
Excellency thought it wiser not to intermeddle with their quarrels ; 
* Arundo Donax, Lin. 
B B 
