FIHST. JOURNEY. 
II 
raifecl k fo kigk, and the coiirfe was fo rapid, that it was with 
difficulty we were able to fwim through it. We travelled the v.-— 
whole night in very heavy rain, with lightning and loud claps 
of thunder. About two in the morning we came to the Knof- 
Yick^ Kraals Rivier, which takes its name from a fpecies of wild 
garlick. It was fo .very dark, that in the firft attempt I made to 
pafs the river, I found myfelf out of my depth ; and with great 
difficulty got out: it was therefore necelfary to remain where 
we were till day-light. We made feveral fruitlefs elTays to 
kindle a fire ; but every thing was fo wet, that the utmoft we 
could produce was fmoke. The rain continued very hard ; and 
in this uncomfortable fituation, our anxiety for the light of day 
maybe eafily conceived. We had now been twenty-four hours 
without eating ; as foon as we could fee, therefore, we crolTed 
the river ; and at nine in the morning came to the houfe of 
Michael Otto, where we were hofpitably received; got to bed, 
and had our clothes dried ; and after a few hours deep took 
fome refreflimenU This place is fituated between the Hotten¬ 
tot Holland mountains, and a deep fandy pafs called, the How 
Hook ; which may be faid to be a continuation of the ftrong 
pafs which I mentioned before. It produces corn and very 
good wine ; much better than is generally found to the eadward 
of the Hottentot mountains. The foil is of a due rich clay; 
but the padure is coarfe, and feldom agrees with cattle, and 
lead of all with fheep. Fruit is, in general, about three weeks 
later in ripening here, than about the Cape. At two we pro¬ 
ceeded on our journey, through the How Hook, colledting plants 
* Garlick, 
