CHAPTER VIII - EXPEDITION TO THE CAPE

Summary

The voyage was prosperous, but long. Nine weeks and two days passed before the welcome cry of “Land” was heard; and it was in the dawn of January 15, 1835, that Table Mountain at last stood full in view, with all its attendant range down to the farthest point of South Africa,” outlined, ghost-like, in clear blue. The disembarkation of the instruments and luggage took several days. They filled fifteen large boats, and a single onslaught of the south-easterly gale, by which at that time of the year Cape Town is harried, might easily have marred the projected campaign. All, however, went well.

The travellers were welcomed by Dr. Stewart, one of Lady Herschel's brothers, and enthusiastically greeted by the Royal Astronomer, Sir Thomas Maclear. They made no delay in fixing their headquarters.

“For the last two or three days,” Herschel wrote to his aunt, January 21, “we have been looking for houses, and have all but agreed for one, a most beautiful place four or five miles out of town, called ‘The Grove.’ In point of situation it is a perfect paradise in rich and magnificent mountain scenery, and sheltered from all winds, even the fierce south-easter, by thick surrounding woods. I must reserve for my next all description of the gorgeous display of flowers which adorns this splendid country, as well as the astonishing brilliancy of the constellations.”