238 
VISITS TO MADAGASCAR. 
CHAP. IX. 
peaches* figs* apricots* and grapes* a number of our choicest 
sorts of plums* pears* and apples. The former do not thrive 
well; but* amongst the latter* New Town Pippin* Ribstone 
Pippin* Lemon Pippin* and others were doing well. Along 
his verandah was trained a large fragrant white ipomaea from 
Natal. Leaving the garden, we walked over the adjacent 
country along the course by which he had brought water 
from a distance of two miles to the town. Mr. Brownlee is 
quite a botanist, and it was a great treat to walk with him 
amongst the varied vegetation of Caffreland. The most 
beautiful plant we saw was a dwarf species of erythrina* 
crowded with rich scarlet blossoms. Besides this there were 
some splendid specimens of leonotis* with scarlet-tinted 
orange flowers. 
The next day we were joined by Mr. Birt from Peelton* 
and met the people to deliberate upon the state of the 
mission. Jan Tzatzoe* whom I had known in England* was 
present* and dined with us afterwards. The next morning I 
accompanied Mr. Brownlee three or four miles up the Buffalo 
river* and* entering the bush, cut a piece from the branch of 
a tree covered with orchids* which I ultimately succeeded in 
bringing home safely. On returning we proceeded over a 
rich* grassy country to Peelton* about nine miles distant* 
where I met with a hospitable reception from Mr. Birt. 
This important station was entirely destroyed during the 
late war; but since the missionary and the people who 
retired to Fort Beaufort have returned a good building has 
been erected* which at present serves the double purpose of 
chapel and school. The mission family have a neat* com¬ 
fortable house, and the natives have erected a number of 
temporary dwellings. This station is one of the most im¬ 
portant in the country* situated on the border of Caffreland 
and the royal reserves* and a considerable population have 
already gathered around. In the evening I walked out with 
