f the most fertile districts of the Great
Karroo, which it pierces at the western end of the Zuurberg (of the
coast chain), and reaches the ocean in Algoa Bay.

Great Salt river is formed by the junction of the Kat with the Great
Fish river, which is the main stream. Several small streams rising in
the Zuurberg (of the inner chain) unite to form the Great Fish river
which passes through Cradock, and crossing the Karroo, changes its
general direction from south to east, and is joined by the Kooner (or
Koonap) and Kat, both of which rise in the Winterberg. Thence, as the
Great Salt river, it winds south to the sea. Great Fish river is
distinguished for the sudden and great rise of its waters after heavy
rain and for its exceedingly sinuous course. Thus near Cookhouse railway
station it makes an almost circular bend of 20 m., the ends being
scarcely 2 m. apart, in which distance it falls 200 ft. Although, like
the other streams which cross the Karroo, the river is sometimes dry in
its upper course, it has an estimated annual discharge of 51,724,000,000
cubic ft.

The head-streams of the Kei, often called the Great Kei, rise in the
Stormberg, and the river, which resembles the Great Fish in its many
twists, flows in a general south-east direction through mountainous
country until it reaches the coast plain. Its mouth is 40 m. in a direct
line north-east of East London. In the history of the Cape the Kei
plays an important part as long marking the boundary between the colony
and the independent Kaffir tribes. (For the Umzimvuba and other Transkei
rivers see KAFFRARIA.)

Of the rivers rising in the coast chain the Knysna (30 m.), Kowie (40
m.), Keiskama (75 m.) and Buffalo (45 m.) may be mentioned. The Knysna
rises in the Uiteniquas hills and is of importance as a feeder of the
lagoon or estuary of the same name, one of the few good harbours on the
coast. The banks of the Knysna are very picturesque. Kowie river, which
rises in the Zuurberg mountains near Graham's Town, is also noted for
the beauty of its banks. At its mouth is Port Alfred. The water over the
bar permits the entrance of vessels of 10 to 12 ft. draught. The Buffalo
river rises in the hilly country north of King William's Town, past
which it flows. At the mouth of the river, where the scenery is very
fine, is East London, third in importance of the ports of Cape Colony.

The frequency of "fontein" among the place names of the colony bears
evidence of the nu