188 Observations on the Origin of the Bushmen, 



siderable numbers, or so close as that in advancing to one, 

 others are so situated as to be enabled to act with success, 

 they may thus be subdued, and frequently are so both by the 

 frontier farmers, as well as by the Namaquas, River Hottentot, 

 and Caffres. On such occasions, however, when the defendants 

 perceive that their efforts are likely to be ineffectual, they are 

 apt ..o rush forth from their hiding places, and approach with 

 such a rapidity and ferocity, as not unfrequently secures them 

 a victory, 



Much difference of opinion exists as to their skill in the use 

 of the bow: some certainly are very dexterous therewith, and 

 will almost to a certainty, at a very tolerable distance, strike 

 any object of moderate size, while others are less certain of 

 their aim; but as a general position, it may be admitted, that 

 the majority will not shoot many times without effect, at a dis- 

 tance of sixty or even eighty yards, when the object in view is 

 equal to the dimensions of a man. As those weapons form 

 their only articles of defence, as well as the means of procuring 

 a large proportion of their food, expertness in the use of them 

 is a principal object of study, and one of the most frequent 

 amusements even of their early years. Every Bushman youth 

 is furnished with his bow, and even the infant at the breast is 

 frequently so supplied. In the construction thereof, almost all 

 their art is centred, and in giving them the form and charac- 

 ter best calculated for their particular objects, much ingenuity 

 and cunning are often displayed. The bow varies in size 

 amongst different hordes, being with some between four and 

 five feet in length, and with others not more than three. It is 

 made of various sorts of wood, but such as are strongest and 

 most elastic are usually preferred. The string by which it is 

 bent, and held in a condition fit for immediate use, is formed 

 either of the dried intestines of quadrupeds, or else of the 

 lacerated and otherwise prepared tendons of animals. The 

 arrows differ in length according to the bows, but seldom ex- 

 tend beyond two or two-and-a-half feet. They are formed of 

 strong reed, about the thickness of a writing quill, and with 

 one extremity fitted to embrace the string of the bow, and the 

 other to receive a piece of cylindrical bone of nearly the same 

 circumference as the reed itself, and on which is fixed the 

 article for inflicting the wound. In some cases, the latter is of 

 fine stone formed into somewhat a triangular shape, and in 

 others is of iron, constructed so as to ensure most effect to its 

 operation. On the portion of the arrow immediately behind 

 the part destined for cutting or puncturing, is the poison spread, 

 and that in such a way as completely to encircle about two 

 inches of it. In many specimens immediately behind that, 

 the shaft is cut more than half across, so that the slightest 

 motion after it penetrates, or the least attempt to withdraw it. 



