The geological character of the Transgariepine, as far as my
observations enable me to give an opinion, appears very simple. It
is that which has been termed primitive. But its most remarkable
feature, is the undisturbed, and generally unbroken state of its great
strata : these lie in, what may be supposed, their original position, and
present rarely any evidence of those violent convulsions of nature
which, beyond all doubt, have once, at some immeasurably remote
period of time, shaken the whole fabric of the globe.
Equally with astronomy; the science of geology is capable of
leading the human mind to the most sublime prospects of the creation ;
and presents, for man’s reflection, the most interesting subjects which
can engage the attention of a liberal and enlightened understanding.
It places before our eyes, and in our hands, the clear and legible
record of an antiquity, compared with which, all other records are
but the tale of yesterday. It offers to us, if I may use the expression,
the most tangible proofs of the aweful power of that inconceivably
Glorious, and Incomprehensible Being, by the spirit of whose Wisdom,
all which we behold has risen into existence; and which may sink
into chaos, whenever, at His nod, a similar convulsion may happen
again.I
n collecting information from the mouths of others, even the
natives of the country, a traveller here should consider himself as
always liable to be deceived, notwithstanding his greatest caution in
examining into the probability of what is told him. On the authority
of Muchunka, whom there was every reason for supposing well
acquainted with this country, I recorded in my journal that the source
of the Makkwarin was at a great distance eastward of this place j
which would imply at least a hundred miles: but an inspection of
the map will show that we passed in every direction eastward, within
a dozen miles, and yet found no traces of it, unless the ravine at my
1 Garden ’ should lead into it ; although it appears more probable
that this is connected with the Kruman.
In these wild regions, where little is to be procured but
what nature gives, every useful article of European manufacture
becomes invaluable. With this conviction, it was judged worth
while to take a journey back to our last station, to search for a small
pocket-knife which was now missed and supposed to have been lost
at that place. It was composed of various articles of convenience,
some of which were of great service in the operations of preparing
the birds for my collection.
As the most important post for myself, was to remain by the
waggons for their protection, I appointed Van Boye and Cornelis, as
being the horsemen and having hitherto done less than any of the
others, to ride back and seek for it at the spot where the waggon
had stood. On this occasion, I made the unfortunate discovery,
that, in time of danger, Van Rope's courage would be as little to be
depended on, as Gert’s : and I began to feel the mortifying persuasion,
that he would prove on trial, to be as timid as he had already proved
himself lazy. No sooner did he hear that he was appointed to this
duty, than he began to complain of a pain in his back, which, he
said, rendered him utterly unable to ride on horseback; although he
had ridden twenty miles the day before, and had not till this moment,
been heard to complain of any illness. One of the other Hottentots,
however, betrayed the truth, that the only pain he felt was that of
fear.
In this case, no compulsion could be used, as I had determined
never to require any service, which my people could possibly call
unreasonable; and therefore appointed Keyser in his place. Yet, on
further reflection, suspecting that even‘these two would not really
go so far as the Kruman, but would merely keep out of sight the
whole day and make their appearance in the evening with a report of
their not having been successful in their search, I resolved on
going thither myself, Gert having hinted that most of the Hottentots
had more or less reluctance to venture alone so far from
the waggons.
Accordingly I set out early in the forenoon, taking with me only
Cornelis. We were both well armed, and supplied with a good
stock of cartridges; and had taken care to provide ourselves not
only with four and twenty hours’ provisions, but also with the means
of producing fire.
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