Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-08-07


AFRICAN CASCADE ON THE ORANGE
RIVER.
Having crossed che southern branch, which
at this SeaSan is but an inconsiderable creek, we
c ~ M follow the Korannas, for seve,al
miles, the dense acacia forests, while
the Il sound of the cataract incheased
at eve Atlength we reached a ridge of
rocks, and found it necessary to dispoun, and
follow our guides on foot
1t seemed as if we were now entering the un.
trodden vestubule ofone ofnature's most sublime
temples, and the untutored savages who guild.
ed US eyinced by the awe and circumspection
with which they trod, that they were not alto.
eether uninfluenccd by the genius loci-They
repeatedly requested me to keep behind, and
follow them softly for the precipices were dam
cerous for the feet of men, and the sight and
sound OF the cataract were SO fearful, that they
themselves regarded the place with awe, and
ventured but seldom to visit 1t.
At length the whole OF them halted, and de-
sired me to 10 the same. One OF them step
ped forward 10 the brink o! the precipice, and
having looked cautiously over, beckoned me to
advance. did so, apd witnessed a curious end
striking scene, but it was not vel The waterfall.
I, was rapid formed by almost the whole vo-
lume Of the river, compressed into narrow
channel of not more than so yards in breadth,
where i, descendd 10 an angle Of nearly AS,
and rushing unanimously through black and
crooked chasm among the rocks, Of frigh,ful
depth, escaped in torrent Of foam. My swar-
thy guides, although this was unques,ionably
the first time that they had ever led traveller
to view the remarkable scenery of their coun-
try, evnced degree Of tact, as ciceroni, as well
as natural feeling Of the picturesque, that e.
qually pleased and surprised me. Having Tor.
warned me that this was not yet the waterfall,
they now pioneered the way for about mile
farther along the rocks, some Of them keeping
near, and continually cautiuning me to leok to
my feet, as single false step might precipitale
me into the raging abyss Of waters the tumult
of which seemed 10 shake even the solid rocks
around US.
AT length we halted as before, and the next
moment was led 10 a projecting rock where
scene burst upon me, far surprising my most
sanguine expectations. The whole water Of
the river Except what escapes by the subsdia-
ry channel, we had crossed, and BY similar
one ON the north side,) being previously comm
ed to he'd Of scarcely one hundred feet in
breadth, descends at once in magnificent cas-
cade Of full four hundred feet in height stood
upon cliff nearly level with the top Of the fall,
and directly in front of it. The beams of the
evening sun fell upon the cascade, and occa.
stoned mos, splendid rainbow; while the va.
poury mi,ts arising from the broken roar OF the
waterfall. and the tumultuous boiling and whir-
ling of the stream below, striving to escape a.
long its deep, dark and narrow path, formed
altogether combination Of beauty & grandeur,
such as never before witnessed. AS gazed
on this stupendous scene, felt as if in dream.
The sublimi,y of nature drowned all apprehen-
sons Of danger; and after short Pause, hast
lily left the spo, where stood to gain nearer
view from cliff that impended over the form
ing gulf. had jus, reached this station when
felt myself grasped all a, once by fouT koran
mas, who simultaneously seized hold OF me by
the arms and legs; My frs, impression was
that they were going 10 hurl me over the pre-.
cipice; but it was a momen,ary thought, and II
wronged the friendly savages. They are them
selves timid race, and they were alarmed lest
my temerity should lead me into danger. They
hurried me back from the brink, and then ex.
planned their motive, and asked my forgiveness.
was not ungrateful for their care, though
somewhat annoyed by their ofhciousness.-
IhOmpson's Southern africa.