34 Mr. Morgan s Account of the Amakosae, 



Within sight of their kraals, generally on the opposite side 

 of the ravine or kloof, are situated their corn fields or gardens. 

 The Caffers inclose an extensive piece of ground, taking advan- 

 tage of natural help, though they bring into cultivation the 

 moist and fertile parts only. In the fields, the cultivation of 

 which is often the labour of several families, are erected tem- 

 porary huts to afford a shade for the children who, when the 

 corn is sown, are stationed there to prevent the entrance of 

 cattle, and as the corn ripens to keep off the birds. This is 

 often the occupation of the whole family, as these little crea- 

 tures are a formidable enemy to the crop of corn. In these 

 gardens they cultivate Indian and Caffer corn, melons, pump- 

 kins, beans, and a little tobacco. They have not acquired the 

 method of preparing this last article so as to make It agreeable 

 to the European smoker. In preparing and cultivating the land, 

 they first clear the ground of weeds, then they throw the seed 

 on the surface, and cover it lightly with the soil, using small 

 wooden spades ; and when it appears a little high above ground 

 they again carefully destroy the weeds, thinning the corn and 

 throwing a little earth about the stem. When it is ripe enough 

 to be gathered, they cut off the heads, and either hang them 

 up in their huts or place them on a frame raised some height 

 from the ground to secure it from the depredations of vermin 

 and cattle. After it has been kept some time in this manner, 

 they beat the grain out, and put it into small holes prepared for 

 that purpose in the centre of their cattle kraal ; each hole is 

 capable of containing about two sacksful. On the top they 

 throw a quantity of the stalks to absorb any moisture that may 

 happen to penetrate through the earth and the manure that is 

 placed over the stone covering the entrance. These granaries 

 are opened only at particular times. Corn so secured will keep 

 sweet and good for a great length of time, though, if the 

 season has been wet and it is stowed away a little damp, it 

 sweats and becomes sour, which is not thought of much conse- 

 quence to their taste. 



The employment of the men consists in hunting and snaring 

 different animals. The skins of the antelope and feline tribes 

 are preserved and formed into karosses, or sold to the European 

 dealer. 



Their attention is however chiefly engaged by their cattle : — 

 these they herd, protecting them with great care by night and 

 day from the depredations of their fellow-creatures and the 

 attacks of wild beasts. The milking them also is the work of 

 the men, as is the making and repairing of the folds ; the bags 

 for holding the milk arc their work ; these they make of raw 

 hides which are so firmly sewed together by thongs of the same 

 material as to bo quite impervious to their contents : they are 



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