190 
SUPPER AT A FARM-HOUSE. 
4, 5 July, 
drivers and leaders, in readiness, to take my waggons forward. We 
stopped here no longer than necessary to change the teams, and to 
give directions for JNIaagers to take my own oxen through Mosterts 
Hoek, a shorter road, passahle for cattle, but not for loaded waggons ; 
and to meet us at the farm of a boor, named Pieter Jacobs. 
The country, about this part of the Breede river, abounds in 
shrubs ; among which, a variety of proteaceous plants are conspicuous. 
We forded the river safely ; and, after a further journey of fifteen 
miles, partly in the dark, halted at the house of Piet Hugo, where 
my coming was expected, and two fresh teams of oxen were in 
waiting. The people here were very civil and attentive ; and as it 
happened to be near their supper-time, I was invited to partake of 
the meal. Hottentots are rarely the objects of hospitality ; for, with 
whatever necessaries a boor may think fit to furnish the passing 
traveller, his servants, if black men, must shift for themselves. This 
seems to be, at least, the general custom of the colony ; although I have 
met with many instances to the contrary. At this house, a large family 
sat down to a table where cleanness and plenty were conspicuous. 
The supper consisted of hot meat with various dishes of vege- 
tables, and concluded, as usual in farm-houses, with a large bowl of 
milk. Among these dishes was a kool salaade, (cabbage salad,) 
made of a large unboiled white cabbage cut into narrow shreds, to 
which were added a dressing of warmed vinegar and melted butter. 
Both the master and the mistress of the house, pressed me, very good- 
naturedly, to eat heartily, saying " This is the last place at which you 
will find a comfortable meal :" and, as if to hint at the folly of leaving 
a country where all these comforts were to be had, for the inhos- 
pitable regions beyond the colony, added " There is no wine nor 
food in the desart." 
We stopped here but an hour, as I was desirous of taking the 
advantage of a fine moonlight night to make all possible haste to 
arrive at the Hex-river Kloof, before the floods could have time to 
render it impassable ; as, at this season of the year, the weather is 
always very unsettled, or at best, uncertain. The Hex river itself, we 
luckily found fordable ; although, had it been but a few inches 
