i04 THE KAMEEL-DOORN. 



previously traversed. In the course of the day we crossed 

 the dry beds of several large, sandy, and periodical streams, 

 which were all tributaries to the Swakop. The country near 

 these streams was thickly studded with splendid forests of 

 the gigantic and park-like acacia, known to the Dutch as the 

 " kameel-doorn," or giraffe thorn {acacia giraff'ce). This tree 

 derives its name from its constituting the favorite and prin- 

 cipal food of the beautiful camelopard. On account of its 

 immense size and peculiar growth, having the foliage dis- 

 posed from the top downward in umbrella-shaped masses, it 

 is a great ornament to the country ; but, strange to say, it is 

 invariably found only in arid districts. 



The " kameel-doorn" is evidently of very slow growth, and 

 requires, probably, many hundred years to arrive at maturi- 

 ty. The grain is tlierefore very close ; and the wood is so 

 heavy that, after being dried for years, it will sink when 

 thrown into the water. Our northern oak can in no wise 

 be compared with it as regards hardness and solidity. The 

 grain is, however, rather short, and the wood consequently 

 brittle. Notwithstanding this defect, it is very strong, and 

 is extensively used for building purposes and implements of 

 husbandry. It is, moreover, almost the only wood strong 

 enough for the axle-trees of wagons. Tools of the best ma- 

 terials, however, are indispensable in working it. I have 

 seen many a well-tempered axe and adze blunted and spoil- 

 ed when brought in contact with it. The outer part of the 

 tree is of a whitish color, but the heart is reddish-brown, not 

 unlike mahogany, and capable of a high polish. 



It is in the branches of this acacia, mentioned by several 

 South African travelers, that the social grossbeak {loxia so- 

 cio) chiefly constructs its interesting and singular nest. 



Through the stupidity and mismanagement of our guide, 

 who apparently knew but little of the road, we missed a 

 watering-place where we were to have halted, and, in con- 

 sequence, suffered extremely from thirst. Mr. Schoneberg, 



I 



