ST. JOHN'S RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3122, 19 February 1879, Page 2

ST. JOHN'S RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA.

The territory round the mouth of the St.. John's Hlver, South Africa, rec«mlj declared forfeited by the Caffre chief Urnqulkela, has been surveyed by Commodore Sulivan, R.N., General Tuesiger, and officers acting under them. A station on the left bank of the river has been: occupied as a military post, and arrange* ments are being made for carrying on the trade of the surrounding country through the outlet which is here naturally provided. For this purpose it will beneces* sary to remove a spit at the month of the river, and to construct two breakwaters, by which means an excellent port will tjeL constructed. The bar at the mouth <sp!.

the river, though only covered bj seven feet of water at , ordinary high water, is not considered dangerous, and could easily be dredged. The river for seven miles up contains from four to seven fathoms of water. This depth ii greatly increased in times of floods, when there is occasionally 30 feet of water on, the bar. There has not, however, been any freshet down the river for three years. At its mouth the'driver is 250 yards wide, and 12 miles up it it only 50 yards less. The" banks are lined with bamboo like reeds, which are used by the natives for wattles, and hippopotami atill exist in the neighborhood. For the first two miles from its mouth the river run's between tworemarkablemountains about one mile apart, the bases of which are clothed with luxuriant -forest growth, above which are sheer precipices I,oooft and I,looft high. Sandstone and limestone, affording excellent building material, are abundant. The forest trees are of fine growth, and are said to afford- most valuable timber. Higher up, the stream passes through ail undulating and fertile country, the horison being closed in by wood-covered hills.— Times.