240 KLOOF AND KARROO. 



from April till October subsist entirely without 

 water. The karroo vegetation, despite its parched 

 appearance, is so succulent, so full of moisture, that 

 unless near a homestead dam or fountain where 

 water can almost always be spared, the flocks can 

 without the least inconvenience do entirely without 

 water. It may be astounding, indeed, to the 

 unitiated to learn that in South Africa, of all places 

 in the world, animals can thus live and thrive for 

 long months upon pastures absolutely waterless. 

 Yet such is the case. Some years ago, when the 

 veldt was virgin and untrampled, our host kept his 

 flocks upon the open karroo, on the Aberdeen Road, 

 for the greater part of two whole seasons, without 

 giving them any water whatever ; nor did he find 

 that they suffered in consequence. There was one 

 small fountain on the run, just sufficing for himself 

 and his horses, but no more. During the extreme 

 heat of summer, the flocks were removed to other 

 pastures possessing water. But at the present day, 

 it is impossible to find on the Karroo such fresh and 

 virgin feeding grounds as then existed. There has 

 been too much overstocking ; and far too little care 

 has been taken to preserve and give rest to portions 

 of the runs. The system of wire fencing, however, 

 now becoming common, will soon work wonders 

 in this respect. 



Riet Fontein itself stands close to a dry karroo 

 river-bed, which holds water only in time of heavy 

 rain, and then but for a short period. As with most 

 South African rivers, there is a heavy flood which 

 abates as rapidly as it rises, and the river-bed then 

 resumes its normal appearance. Here and there, 

 indeed, perhaps within three miles or so, there is a 



