336 
CURIOUS LEAVES. — TWILIGHT. — DUST. 21-25 Sept. 
The Hook-thorn {Acacia detinens) before described, was found 
growing here ; and also a beautiful species of acacia of a hoary 
complexion, the technical name of which [Acacia atomiphylla) is 
taken from its curious and singular leaves, consisting of very minute 
leaflets, resembling seeds or atoms, squeezed laterally so close 
together as to seem united. 
The earth was parched up, and, excepting the corn-fields, no 
spot of green any where met the eye. So pleasing a sight as these 
fields afford, is a sufficient encouragement for attempting agriculture 
in almost any situation ; and is one proof that man possesses the 
power of creating the most delightful verdure in the midst of 
drought and sterility. 
22nc?. This day the length of twilight, as determined, not by 
computation, but, by the actual withdrawing of daylight, was 
observed to be nearly one hour and a quarter. 
23rc?. The ground on which a Hottentot Kraal stands, being 
continually trodden by cattle, is always loose ; and, in windy weather, 
produces a troublesome and disagreeable dust. Notwithstanding 
the wind and dust, which whirled about in clouds, I made a couple 
of sketches of the village ; and had an opportunity of ascertaining 
how very useful, and indeed indispensable, is a drawing-board in 
such weather. A traveller will therefore find it well worth the 
trouble of carrying with him some apparatus of the kind. 
From the top of the mountain behind the Kraal, there is a 
pleasing view of the settlement and the valley ; though the prospect 
is confined on all sides by mountains. On these rocks, I found several 
interesting and new plants ; but was soon forced to descend, by the 
threatening appearance of thunder clouds, which began suddenly to 
collect. I had hardly reached my waggon, when a heavy rain and 
Gmel. (var? ocellata^ B. Remiges 
apicibus obscure ocellatis) Le capo- 
cier? Ois. d' Afr. pi. 129, 130 f. 1. 
Le Coriphee, Ois. d'Afr. pi. 120. f. 1. 
Muscicapa. — Le Mignardy Ois .d'Af. 
pi. 154. 
nHirondellefauve,0\s.(}CklY>^.2^Qi. 1 . 
Fringilla 
Fringilla .Loxia, Linn. 
Muscicapa, Species nova. 
VuUur percnopterus, Linn. 
