GRAAFF REINET, a town in the Cape Province of the Union of South Africa 15' S., 24° 32' E. Alt. 2,463 ft. Popu lation (1921) whites, 4,724 coloured. It was founded by the Dutch in 1786, and named after the then governor of the Cape, C. J. van de Graaff, and his wife. The town was built near the Sunday river, from which water is led to irrigate the gardens, and across which a large dam has been constructed just above the town to create a reservoir, capable of irrigating 17,000 ac. of adjacent land. The average annual rainfall is about 17 in. The surround ing country is Karroo Veld, in the midst of which the town stands as an oasis. Most of the houses have their gardens, in which large quantities of fruit and vines and vegetables are grown. Water is led along the streets in open furrows. The botanical gardens are well laid out. Graaff Reinet is lighted by electricity. The district produces considerable quantities of mohair and merino wool.
(R. U. S.)