92 SPOUTING ADVENTURES 



prepared a more substantial repast. A better 

 site for a settlement could hardly be found; 

 in front of the hut was a pond of good water, 

 on which a flock of wild ducks were dis- 

 porting themselves ; at the back was the 

 colonel's garden, which he showed us with 

 great pride; and where splendid potatoes, 

 lettuces, maize, bananas, oranges, lemons, coffee, 

 and tobacco all flourished in profusion. 



In answer to our eager inquiries as to the 

 chances of sport, we were assured that there 

 were plenty of wild cattle, pigs, and goats, and 

 whilst we were resting after our long walk we 

 saw some of the cattle browsing on the hill-sides 

 and shading themselves in the neighbouring 

 woods. 



After our repast, I despatched the sergeant 

 and two bluejackets to give an account of a cow 

 which we saw not far off, but they presently 

 returned, after firing several unsuccessful shots. 

 The colonel told us that towards evening the 

 beasts would come down to the pool to drink, 

 and at night they fed close to his hut, and 



