PLANTS OF THE KARROO. 47 



Our farm, extending over twelve thousand acres, was 

 situated in a long valley running between two ranges 

 of mountains, the steepness of which rendered enclos- 

 ing unnecessary in many parts ; thus saving much 

 expense in starting the farm, an entirely new one, and 



chosen purposely by T on this account. For it 



sometimes happens that land on which ostriches have 

 run for years becomes at last unhealthy for the birds. 

 We were in that part of the Karroo which is called 

 the Zwart Ruggens, or " black rugged country ; " so 

 named from the appearance it presents when, during 

 the frequent long droughts, the bush loses all its 

 verdure, and becomes outwardly so black and dry- 

 looking that no one unacquainted with this most 

 curious kind of vegetation would suppose it capable 

 of containing the smallest amount of nutriment for 

 ostriches, sheep, or goats. But if you break one of 

 these apparently dried-up sticks, you find it all green 

 and succulent inside, full of a very nourishing saline 

 juice ; and thus, even in long droughts which some- 

 times last more than a year, this country is able to 

 support stock in a most marvellous manner, of which, 

 judging by outward appearance, it certainly does not 

 seem capable. It seems strange that in this land of 

 dryness the plants are so full of moisture ; one wonders 

 whence it can possibly have come. 



The little karroo plant, from which the district 

 takes its name, is one of the best kinds of bush for 

 ostriches, as well as for sheep and goats ; it grows in 

 little compact round tufts not more than seven or 



