D i s t r i c t o f G r a a f R e y n e t .
The diftridt of Graaf Reynet extends to the eaftem extremity
of the colony. The-Great Filh River, the Tarka, the Bam-
boiberg, and the Zuureberg divide them from the Kaffers on
the eaft ; the Camtoos River, the Gamka or Lions’ River, and
Nieuwveld Mountains, from the diftridts of Zwellendam and
Stellenbofch on the weft ; Plettenberg Landmark, the Great
Table Mountain, and the Karreeberg from the Bosjefmart Hottentots
on the north ; and it is terminated by the fea-coaft on
the fouth. The mean length and breadth of this diftridt may
be about 250 by 160 miles, making an area of 40,000 fquare
miles, which is peopled by about 700 families ; confequently
each family may command 57 fquare miles of ground, which
is more than fix times the quantity regulated by Government.
Great part, however, has been occafionally abandoned on account
of ineurfions made both by the Kaffers and Bosjefmans.
The inhabitants, indeed, are a fort of Nomades, and would long
before this have penetrated with their flocks and herds far beyond
the prefent boundaries of the colony, had they not met
with a bold and fpirited race of people in thé Kaffers, who refilled
and effectually repelled their encroachments on that fide.
Their perfecution of the Hottentots in their employ has at
length rouzed this people, alfo, to make an effort for their former
independence. Should they fucceed, and it is their own
fafllt if they do not, for it appears they are fuperior in point
of numbers, and much fo in courage, the whole or the greateft
part of the diftridt of Graaf Reynet muft, in confequence, be
abandoned by the Dutch African peafantry.
The
The boors of this diftridt are entirely graziers ; few attempting
to put a plough or a fpade into the ground,, except in Zwart
Kop’s Bay, or in fome parts of the Sneuwberg, preferring a
life of complete indolence and a diet of animal food to the comfort
of procuring a fupply of daily bread, and a few vegetables,
by a very trifling degree of exertion. In Sneuwberg, indeed,
the depredations of the locufts are difcouraging to the cultivator,
as the odds are great he reaps nothing, while this devouring infect
remains in the country. About the drofdy, alfo, they
cultivate a little grain, which they exchange with the grazier
for iheep and cattle.
The diftridt of Graaf Reynet is entirely compofed o f loan-
farms, and it is divided as follows:
1. The Drofdy.
2. Sneuwberg, corififting of three parts.
3. Swagers Hoeck.
4. Bruyntjes Hoogti.
5. Camdeboo.
6. Zwarte Ruggens.
7. Zwarte Kop’s River.
8. Zuure Veldt.
9. Bosjefmans River.
10. I ’arka.
n . Sea-cow River aud Rhinofcerofberg.
12. Zwarte Berg.
13. Nieuwveld and the Ghowp.
3 B 2 1. The