422 Dr. A. Smith's Observations relative to the Bushmen. 



Hottentot, and Caffres. On such occasions, however, when 

 the defendants perceive that their efforts are likely to be in- 

 effectual, they are apt to rush forth from their hiding-places, 

 and approach with such a rapidity and ferocity as not unfre- 

 quently secures them a victory. 



Much difference of opinion exists as to their skill in the use 

 of the bow: some certainly are very dexterous therewith, and 

 will almost to a certainty, at a very tolerable distance, strike 

 any object of moderate size, while others are less certain of 

 their aim ; but as a general position, it may be admitted that 

 the majority will not shoot many times without effect, at a di- 

 stance of sixty or even eighty yards, when the object in view is 

 equal to the dimensions of a man. As those weapons form 

 their only articles of defence, as well as the means of pro- 

 curing a large proportion of their food, expertness in the use 

 of them is a principal object of study, and one of the most fre- 

 quent amusements even of their early years. Every Bushman 

 youth is furnished with his bow, and even the infant at the 

 breast is frequently so supplied. In the construction thereof, 

 almost all their art is centered; and in giving them the form 

 and character best calculated for their particular objects, much 

 ingenuity and cunning are often displayed. The bow varies 

 in size amongst different hordes, being with some between 

 four and five feet in length, and with others not more than 

 three. It is made of various sorts of wood, but such as are 

 strongest and most elastic are usually preferred. The string 

 by which it is bent, and held in a condition fit for immediate 

 use, is formed either of the dried intestines of quadrupeds, or 

 else of the lacerated and otherwise prepared tendons of animals. 

 The arrows differ in length according to the bows, but seldom 

 extend beyond two feet or two-and-a-half. They are formed 

 of strong reed, about the thickness of a writing quill, and with 

 one extremity fitted to embrace the string of the bow, and the 

 other to receive a piece of cylindrical bone of nearly the same 

 circumference as the reed itself, and on which is fixed the 

 article for inflicting the wound. In some cases, the latter is 

 of fine stone formed into a somewhat triangular shape, and in 

 others it is of iron, constructed so as to ensure most effect to its 

 operation. On the portion of the arrow immediately behind 

 the part destined for cutting or puncturing, is the poison spread, 

 and that in such a way as completely to encircle about two 

 inches of it. In many specimens immediately behind that, the 

 shaft is cut more than half across, so that the slightest motion 

 after it penetrates, or the least attempt to withdraw it, does 

 generally occasion the separation of the major part from that 

 which bears the poison; and on the site of the latter is also 



frequently 



