DEPARTURE FROM THE BAYEYE WERFT ON A RAFT. 485 



meaning probably the Portuguese — chiefly for the purpose of 

 purchasing slaves ; by the other — most likely the English or 

 Americans — to obtain, by barter, ivory and other valuable 

 productions of the country. The Mambari bring to Libebe, 

 as articles of exchange, blue and striped cotton, baize, beads, 

 and even cattle. 



Again, we find the Ovapangari and Ovapanyama also 

 visiting Libebe for trading purposes. These nations, as be- 

 fore mentioned, occupy the country north of Ovambo-land. 

 On a visit to the latter in 1851 (Galton's expedition), we 

 found the tribes above named likewise trading with the 

 Ovambo. The Bavicko have, moreover, intercourse witli 

 Sebetoane, Lecholetebe, and others. 



CHAPTER XL. 



Departure from the Bayeye Werft. — The Keed-raft. — The Hippopota- 

 mus. — Behemoth or Hippopotainus. — Where found. — Two Species. 

 — Description of Hippopotamus. — Appearance. — Size. — Swims hkc 

 a Duck. — Food. — Destructive Propensities of the Animal. — Disposi- 

 tion. — Sagacity. — Memory. — Gregarious Habits. — Nocturnal Habits. 

 — Domestication. — Food. — Flesh. — Hide. — Ivory. — Medicinal Vir- 

 tues. 



After about a week's stay at the Bayeye werft, I was 

 once more launched on the Teoge, and only regretted that 

 my course did not lie to the north instead of to the south. 

 My departure afforded a fresh proof of the rascality of the 

 Bayeye. As previously mentioned, according to the injunc- 

 tions of Lecholete'be, I was to have two canoes at my dis- 

 posal ; but, on the day in question, the natives unceremoni- 

 ously deposited me on a raft composed solely of reeds ! When 

 I first saw the unshapely mass, I could not help smiling ; and 

 it was not until I had set my people the example that they 

 ventured to embark. 



This primitive raft, which is in general use among the 



