452 EXTRAORDINARY REFRACTION.— EXTENDED PRECIPICE. 14 Nov. 
such a distance that a journey of forty miles would not have brought 
us to it. The clearness of the air, and the enormous extent of inter- 
mediate plains, were not, perhaps, the sole causes of our seeing this 
mountain : the atmosphere, now charged with moisture, might, by 
an increased power of refraction, enable us to behold those distant 
objects which, at another time, might not be visible above the hori- 
zon. In subsequent parts of this journal, will be found many instances 
of the singular and curious effects of that power. 
Further onwards we had from a rising ground a fine view to the 
northward, of a high, flat, wall-like mountain stretching out to the 
right and to the left, and to which we could see no termination. It 
had much the appearance of the Roggeveld Mountains, as viewed 
from the Karro * ; but it was not quite so high. Like those moun- 
tains, it had no very perceptible descent on the northern side. This 
is a continuation of the same terrace or elevated platform, but far 
exceeding it in height, from which we descended in travelling from 
Klaarwater to the Black River whence, as I learnt, it extends 
downwards along the northern side of the Gariep, though in a less 
regular form, for the distance of several days journey ; but of its 
extent towards the north-east, no one was able to inform me. It 
is close under this mountain where Groote Fontein is situated. Se- 
veral of these gigantic steps, as they may be called, divide the surface 
in various parts of the southernmost quarter of Africa ; but beyond 
this I never afterwards, when advancing more into the Interior, met 
with any other. It is this range which apparently directs the general 
course of the river, and restrains it from flowing more northerly : 
and certainly by this the Black River is turned, and prevented from 
continuing its course to the northward. 
On arriving at the spot where the two quakkas lay, we halted to 
take off the hide. This being the first large quadruped of which I 
preserved the skin, it was necessary to show my Hottentots in what 
manner it ought to be cut, so that, if it should hereafter be stuffed, 
• Page 246. 
t Page 389. 
