Writing to the Round Table.
Somerset East, Cape Colony, South Africa.
I am going to tell you about Somerset East, the South African town in which I live. It is snugly situated at the foot of a large and pretty mountain called the Bush-berg. There are a good many kloofs or deep ravines in it which are filled with bushes. The mountain is a very fine place for picnicking. At the top of each kloof there is a steep precipice, over which there is a small waterfall. The town is supplied by the water of one of these kloofs. It is conducted by pipes to the town. At one time the mountain was inhabited by leopards, but they have been driven away. There are a good many bucks and monkeys which live in the kloofs.
I should have told you at first that this mountain lies to the north of the town. To the south is the Fish River. It is only a small river, and has hardly any water in it except in the rainy season. Now that I have told you something about Somerset East, I will tell you something about myself. I am fourteen years of age. My chief sports are playing football and cricket. I am also very fond of shooting, fishing, and swimming. I am also greatly interested in collecting stamps. I have a good many varieties in an album, and would be very glad to exchange stamps with any one who would write to me.
George D. Chaplin.
Please tell us about your fruits, and at what season of the year they are ripe. Also about plants, flowers, and birds common with you.