256 AN ACCIDENT — DIVISIONS OF THE ROGGEVELD. 6, 7 Aug. 
here makes its appearance again. But on the mountain itself, I did 
not observe a single plant deserving the name of tree. 
From the edge of the mountain, we had a very extensive view 
over the Karro bounded by the Bokkeveld mountains to the south ; 
but the weather being cloudy and showery, many other mountains 
which, under a clearer sky, may be seen from here, could not at this 
time be distinguished. 
Having had the necessary assistance of the voorspans in getting 
the waggons up this toilsome and difficult ascent, I finally dismissed 
them, intending in future to travel with my own oxen. We waited 
no longer than was requisite for changing the teams ; after which 
we proceeded at a brisk pace, the road, or, to speak more correctly, 
the track worn down by the colonists' waggons, being level and 
free from every obstruction. 
The pack-waggon led the way, and was a good distance in 
advance, when it was observed suddenly to drop to the ground ; 
surprised at so strange and unexpected an accident, we hastened for- 
ward, and discovered that the main bolt, which passes through the 
iron langwagen and connects the fore and after axletrees, not 
having been properly secured, had fallen out ; and the consequence 
was, as we had seen, that the after axletree with its wheels parted 
from the rest, and all the contents of the waggon tumbled out upon 
the road. At first, we were fearful that some principal part was 
broken ; but, on examination, had the satisfaction to find that it was 
an accident we could ourselves rectify. We were detained nearly 
two hours in reloading and putting every thing in order again. 
The country in which we were now travelling, is called the 
Middel Roggeveld (Middle Rye-land) ; the Onder (Further) Rogge- 
veld, lies north-north-westward, and joins the Hantam division ; and 
the Kleine (Little) Roggeveld lying eastward, joins the division of 
Niewwveld (New-land). I saw none of the wild rye which has been 
said to be so abundant as to give the name to this district; but this 
might be owing to the season of the year. 
We had now taken leave of the inhabited part of the colony, 
and with it all intercourse with white men. From these no assist- 
