yards. It was sheltered by reeds and a large sedge *, intermingled
with a tall and beautiful species of grass '1; on the roots of which,
and every where on the ground, the water had deposited a calcareous
incrustation, similar to that which I first observed at Schiet Fontein,
and afterward at Klaarwater and the neighbouring springs. A Statice,
growing plentifully about the rivulet, would seem to indicate some
brackish quality in the earth, and, consequently, in the water also;
which, at a distance from the fountain-head, it was found actually
to possess, though not in a very unpleasant degree.
All the species of the genus Statice grow, with few exceptions,
either on the sea-shore or on saline ground. Many plants are excellent
indicators of the nature of the soil; and the agriculturist
would do well, in bringing new land under culture, to allow himself
to be guided by the hints they offer. So unaccommodating in this
respect are a great number of the vegetable creation, that in vain are
their seeds dispersed by the winds or the waters, unless they happen
to fall in sueh situations as afford them that terrestrial food, and
aerial nourishment, to which their peculiar structure has been by
Nature adapted. Observers of vegetable physiology have not yet
been enabled, to offer any satisfactory explanation of the causes
of those properties of plants which may be termed their instinct, and
which are shown by their affecting particular soils; or situations; or
climates; or cold or heat; or dryness or moisture. Knowledge of this
kind is a desideratum, the practical utility of which, and its application
to numberless and various purposes, might render it worthy of the attention
of those who pursue the investigation of physical science.
15th. At this place the Kloof, or Pass up the mountain, is
more even and less steep than any other passage that the Hottentots
have hitherto discovered in this range. We were, however,
obliged to keep six men employed for two days, with spades and
pickaxes, infilling up the holes and ravines made by the torrents,
* Of the same genus as the Palmite, described at page 91.
f A species of Saccharum. Catal. Geogr. 1810.
and in removing out of the way large blocks of stone, which otherwise
would have rendered the passage extremely dangerous. This
work, though performed under an almost broiling sun, was not much
objected to, either by the Hottentots or by their captain, since what
was now done would make thé kloof safely passable for all who
should hereafter travel that road. Yet, because the work was one
for general advantage, no one had cared even to roll à stone out of
the way ; each one preferred the risk of overturning his waggon,
and breaking his own neck, to a day’s labour, by which the whole
community were always in future to be benefitted. Had we not insisted
on returning by this road to Klaarwater, the pass would long
have remained in its dangerous state ; and without our persuasion
and encouragement, no one, perhaps, would ever have bestowed his
time and labour upon it. This circumstance is mentioned with a
view to exemplify a disposition very common, not only among Hottentots,
but equally frequent in the Cape colony, where the roads,
with very few exceptions, though daily made use of, are allowed
to remain from year to year in a state of the greatest neglect, each
boor getting his waggon over them in the best manner he may be
able, nor caring for his own risk, or for the neighbour who may be
obliged to follow his track.
Early this morning it was discovered that all our sheep had
strayed away in the course of the night. Without loss .of time,
Speelman, with two other Hottentots, was sent on the search, by
following their footmarks from out of the fold.
When evening came, without either returning, we began to feel
much uneasiness on account of the men, and which continued increasing
all the following day. In these wild, desert, and lawless
countries, thè mind, always ready to feel mistrustful and suspicious
of treachery, easily takes alarm at every occurrence which may
wear a dubious look. The Bushmen are immediately suspected; the
lions, with all the other ferocious animals together, share not a
tenth of the imputation which falls on these necessitous savages.
16th. At noon, while we were still expressing great fears that
the natives had carried off the sheep and murdered our men, Speel