206 
DEPARTURE FROM PJETER JACOBS'S. 12, 13 July, 
without any other inconvenience than the trouble and delay occa- 
sioned by having to rectify its contents. We had appointed the 
Karro Poort as the place of rendezvous for to-morrow, intending to 
remain there till the next day, to prepare for crossing the Karro 
desert. 
This being nearly the last place where I could have any oppor- 
tunity of replenishing my stores, I filled up two of the empty water- 
casks with wine, one of my wine-casks having entirely leaked out ; 
and laid in a stock of potatoes, onions, and dried pears. These, 
called the sugar-pear, were of a middling size and very sweet taste ; 
the manner of preserving which, consisted in merely drying them, 
whole and unpeeled, in the sun, and afterwards pressing them flat: 
by which simple process they keep in perfection for more than a 
twelvemonth, as I afterwards learnt by experience ; and therefore can 
recommend them as a valuable addition to the stores of a traveller. 
The wine made here was very poor and thin, the soil and situation 
not being congenial to grapes ; but the price of it was certainly in 
proportion, for eleven gallons cost no more than four rix-dollars 
and a half, equal, at that time, to thirteen shillings and sixpence. 
All my Hottentots, excepting Philip, became so idle during our 
stay here, that the little work they had to do, was left undone : and 
therefore, for the purpose of letting them know what kind of punish- 
ment they had to expect for neglect or disobedience, I this day 
stopped their rations of brandy and tobacco, and had the pleasure of 
finding this privation a powerful stimulus to exertion. 
\Sth. In settling the account with our host for the stores, and 
the food with which he had supplied my men, he would not be per- 
suaded to accept any thing in consideration of the meals I had my- 
self taken at his house. His good lady, unknown to me, put into 
my waggon a duck ready-roasted, and various other eatables ; as if 
not satisfied that their hospitality was complete, without my carry- 
ing away with me some proofs of it. Our taking leave was like the 
parting of old friends : they gave their blessing for my protection 
