58 THE ACACIA-TREE SUN-STROKE. 



until animals are accustomed to this diet, it only serves to 

 weaken them. Cattle, however, that are used to this coarse 

 food soon become fat, and when killed prove, contrary to 

 what might be expected, capital eating. When the reeds 

 become somewhat old and dry they are fired by the natives, 

 and in a fortnight or three weeks they have again attained 

 a luxuriant growth. 



The pods of a species of acacia {ana), which had drop- 

 ped from the trees, were also much relished by the cattle. 

 Stewardson informed us that when the latter are able to feed 

 on them regularly, they soon become fat. The fruit has an 

 acrid taste, but is not altogether unpalatable. 



The wood of this tree, though straight-grained, close, and 

 weighty, is not considered good for implements of husbandry. 

 I have been assured, however, that when the tree is burned 

 down the quality of the wood is much improved ! 



Stewardson' s habit of starting late had nearly proved fatal 

 to me ; for one day, while pursuing on foot some interesting 

 birds, I had fallen considerably behind my companions, and, 

 in order to come up with them, I was necessitated to put my 

 best foot forward. The sun's rays (in themselves exceedingly 

 powerful) being reflected frord the surrounding barren hills 

 and the burning sand, made the heat equal to that of an 

 oven. 



I had only just caught sight of our party, when I was 

 seized with sudden giddiness, and the horrible idea flashed 

 across my mind that I had received a "sun-stroke." Being 

 fully aware of the danger, I collected all my energies, and 

 made the most strenuous efforts to overtake my friend. But 

 the stupor increased every moment, and my voice became so 

 faint that for a long time I was unable to make myself 

 heard. However, I did at last succeed, and Galton at once 

 rode up to me and placed his horse at my disposal. It was 

 high time, for another minute would probably have proved 

 too late. As it was, I managed with great difficulty to reach 



