126 schmelen's hope. 



miles to the northward, where, inasmuch as there had not 

 been any natives dwelling of late, we should find abundance 

 of pasturage. Accordingly, we acted on his suggestion, and 

 in the afternoon of the 13th of January were established at 

 that place. 



CHAPTER XI. 



Schmelen's Hope. — Scenery. — Missionary Station. — Kaid of the Na- 

 maquas. — Ingratitude of the Natives. — Jonker's Feud with Kahi- 

 chene ; his Barbarities ; his Treachery. — Mr. Galton departs for 

 Eikams. — Author's successful sporting Excursions. — He captures a 

 young Steinbok and a Koodoo. — They are easily domesticated. — 

 Hyaenas ver}'- troublesome ,• several destroyed by Spring-guns. — The 

 latter described. — Visit from a Leopard ; it wounds a Dog ; Chase 

 and Death of the Leopard. — The Caracal. 



Schivielen's Hope is picturesquely situated on the right 

 bank of the Little Swakop, and just at the confluence of one 

 of its tributaries, the banks of which were lined with ma- 

 jestic trees of the mimosa and the acacia family. Some of 

 these were now in full bloom, and presented an interesting 

 and beautiful appearance. Heavy showers of rain, more- 

 over, having lately fallen, the grateful earth acknowledged 

 the tribute by rapidly sending forth her boundless store of 

 aromatic herbs and plants — 



"Herbs for man's use of various power, 

 That either food or physic yield." 



The whole aspect of the country changed as if by magic, 

 and I gazed on the altered features of the landscape in 

 rapture and amazement. It strongly reminded me of the 

 Psalmist's words — 



" His rains from heaven parch'd hills recruit. 

 That soon transmit the liquid store, 

 Till earth is burdened with her fruit, 

 And Nature's lap can hold no more." 



