UN NE eer 
PO EP MS 
Rees i 
650 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 
rest during the heat of the day and pursue] our, journey late 
at night and very early in the morning. On the forenoon of 
the 8th, we came to Olifant’s River, and there meeting a - 
boor who was seeking his master’s cattle, he put us in the E 
right track for Uitenhage, and told us of a farm-house where … 
we might procure food; but when we got there, the owner | 
with his family and cattle had gone away to seek grass and 
water,and a Fingoe, who alone was left, was unwilling to 
sell us any provision. However, after some persuasion, he 
let us have a piece of mutton for three shillings, and We — 
roasted it in the bush and made a hearty meal. Thirst was 
our greatest tormentor ; we vainly scratched in the sand ofa — 
periodical river-bed, but could not obtain a drop, and were E 
unable to sleep from the distressing want of drink. The . 
next day, towards evening, we came to a small pool of muddy  — 
though most acceptable water, under a rock, and stretching 
ourselves on a comfortable bed of Mesembryanthemums, got 
some rest. It was, however, no sooner dark, than the 
howling of hyenas and jackals aroused us, and the stars 
being bright, we quitted the fire at midnight to proceed on 
our way; but were quickly entangled in the thick bush, and 
lost several hours in wandering about to recover the tra 
The thorns scratched us, and we got several bruises by falling 
over stones. Daylight enabled us to find the path, 
we went on, among great numbers of dog-faced baboons. 
female ostrich also crossed our way. The hope of reaching & 
farm-house stimulated our exertions ; but when we got there 
just before dusk, the house, to our great disappointment, wa 
deserted, door and windows stopped with mud, and a 
living creature to be seen. My companion was so worn out 
and disheartened, that he fell down and declared he could 89 
no farther, and when I would have persuaded him to proceed, 
availing ourselves of the fair and cool night, he was too much 
afraid of lions to stir from the protecting vicinity of the fire- 
My left leg also was sadly hurt by the falls I had received two 
nights before. Near this house we saw beautiful specif 
of Schottia speciosa, At daybreak we went on, and sui 
