DEPARTURE PROM SCHEPPMANSDORF. 47 



to a stand-still. Only a few can be trained as leaders. 

 Such animals are always selected as have a quick step, and 

 of themselves are in the habit of keeping ahead, and apart 

 from the rest of the herd. Oxen of this description at all 

 times hold the first rank in a traveling caravan. 



At length, after great exertions and endless delays, we 

 were able to fix upon the day for our departure. Our ar- 

 rangements were as follows : On the cart, which was drawn 

 by eight mules, we placed about one thousand pounds, con- 

 sisting chiefly of guns, presents for chieftains and others, 

 articles for barter, implements of natural history, bedding, 

 &c. Six hundred weight (ammunition and provisions) were 

 besides distributed among four " pack" -oxen and one mule. 



The object of the expedition being entirely for the purpose 

 of obtaining cattle for draft and slaughter, we were given to 

 understand that after about eight to ten days' journey we 

 should arrive at some native villages, where we might pro- 

 cure any number of beasts required. Our course, as far as 

 we could understand, was to the northeast, and through an 

 exceedingly wild and sterile part of the country. 



On the morning of the 19th of September we left Schepp- 

 mansdorf. The young cattle proved exceedingly unmanage- 

 able ; and we had not been on the road many minutes be- 

 fore a small handsome ox, which from the very beginning had 

 given us much trouble in breaking-in, left the herd, and was 

 apparently about retracing his steps to the missionary station. 

 To prevent this, Galton and I endeavored to head him, on 

 which he set off at a rapid pace. On finding himself hard 

 pressed, however, he suddenly wheeled round and rushed 

 toward my friend at headlong speed. Thinking it merely a 

 demonstration, IMr. Galton remained stationary ; but by so 

 doing he nearly lost his ]ife, for the infuriated beast charged 

 home. Fortunately, however, his horn merely grazed my 

 friend's leg, though it inflicted some injury on the shoulder 

 of the horse. 



