Surrounded by lush indigenous forests of yellowwood, stinkwood, Cape beech and red alder, its history is closely linked to the exploitation of the forests and to George Rex, a legendary figure who bought the farm Melkhoutkraal in 1804 and established himself as a timber merchant.  One of the most popular coastal resort tows along the Garden Route, Knysna offers visitors a wide range of water sports (in the lagoon and the sea), and adventure activities.  Those in search of a more relaxed holiday can explore the lagoon aboard a houseboat, or on a tour boat.  The lagoon is home to the endangered Knysna seahorse as well as many of the over 230 bird species recorded in the area to date.  It is also famous for its fresh oysters.  Places of interest include Millwood House and dating back to the region's short lived 1870s gold rush and now a museum, George Rex's grave, and the Angling Museum.  Numerous arts and crafts galleries, gift shops, farm stalls and furniture factories abound.