g6 SOUTH AFRICA. 



centuries. In some parts of the courses of the Oop 

 and Nossop Rivers the banks of the channels look 

 as perfect as if the waters had only left them a few 

 years ago, and the water marks on the rocky side 

 indicate that a depth of one hundred and fifty feet 

 was attained in places, with few fluctuations. These 

 rivers were evidently navigable for hundreds of 

 miles without a break, and an examination of their 

 beds ought to reveal some interesting secrets at 

 least, in the absence of more tangible clues. In 

 these river-beds all the usual indications of 

 diamondiferous deposits are plentifully strewed 

 on the surface at all events, and it is possible that 

 an explorer with the means of sufficient water at 

 hand to allow an efficient search might reap a rich 

 harvest. 



In some few spots along the courses of the river 

 mentioned water has been obtained by digging 

 very shallow wells ; while in other parts a well or 

 two dug by natives during a rainy season failed to 

 supply water at about eighty feet. Frequently 

 the natives will dig several pits pretty close to 

 each other, some of which will furnish clear fresh 

 water, while that in others will be brackish or even 

 too salt for the use of cattle. 



