LOSS OF THE HERCULES. 79 
mgly fertile in vegetable productions. One of the most ex- 
tensive of these valleys took them no less than three days 
and a half in passing. It is called by the settlers Long Cluff,* 
and affords, perhaps, as many romantic scenes as can be 
found in any spot of the same extent on the face of the earth. 
The hills for seventy or eighty miles run parallel to each 
other. The lands between are wonderfully rich, and produce 
vast quantities of a plant similar in its taste and smell to our 
th}Tne. On this fragrant herb are fed immense quantities of 
sheep and cattle ; they devour it with great eagerness, and it 
gives the mutton a flavor so like our venison, that an epicure 
might be deceived in the taste. The valleys are generally 
level, from four to eight miles in breadth, and in several pla- 
ces intersected with rivulets, on the borders of which are fre- 
quently perceived whole groves of the aloe-tree. 
On or about the 14th they reached the settlement of an old 
and blind man. He had a large family and appeared to pos- 
sess a comfortable independence. When he heard the story 
of the travelers, the good farmer burst into tears, and ordered 
a glass of brandy to be given to each of the crew. After this 
unusual and cheering repast, he directed some mutton to be 
delivered to the people, and gave them a pot to dress it in. 
He then requested of the captain to mess with the family, 
which was complied with ; and when supper was ended, this 
worthy creature said he was so pleased with their escaping 
the dangers of the seas and the Caffres, that he would cele- 
brate the meeting with a song. He immediately began and 
sung v/ith the voice of Stentor. A general plaudit succeed- 
ed; and then the honest benefactor said, "Now, captain, L 
have a favor to ask of you. Pray desire all your people to 
sing." It was impossible to help laughing at this whimsical 
request ; but it was thought good humor at such a momeiit 
should not be interrupted; therefore an American sailor was 
desired to sing one of his best songs. He no sooner began 
than all the Lascars tuned their pipes; this set a going the 
Swedes, Portuguese, and Dutchmen, and all the crew; each 
party sung in their different languages and at the same tim<e. 
Such a concert was never heard before ; the liberal and merry 
old colonist was so entertained with their music, that he had 
nearly dropt from his chair in a fit of laughter. 
The captain was provided this night with a sheep-skin, on 
which he rested under the roof of the farmer's cottage ; but 
there was not room for all, and therefore most of the poor fel- 
♦ Lange Kloof (long cleft.) 
