244 THROUGH GASA LAND. 



have transported the reeking flesh to the opposite 

 side, not a fly would remain upon it after the transit 

 had been accomplished. 



Several small groups of natives as well as kraals 

 were seen, but distrust, possibly fear, has so far pre- 

 vented them from visiting us ; but our party is so 

 formidable numerically that it is apt to raise suspicion 

 in the minds of a weak and comparatively sparse 

 and unarmed population ; however I have given 

 orders that every overture of good will, and desire 

 for their friendship, should be made to all whom 

 accident threw within hailing distance. 



My extensive experience of the American 

 prairies and other well-known stock raising countries 

 informs me that these foot-hills must at no distant 

 time become a grand pastoral country. With an 

 abundance of nutritious grasses, an unlimited supply 

 of water, and plenty of shade to shelter your kine 

 from the mid-day sun, how could it be otherwise ? 



The opinions I had formed against the salubrity 

 of the country, I am much inclined to alter, for now 

 that I am traversing more elevated lands than those 

 that were in juxtaposition to my late camp, the air is 

 quite bracing, in fact cold immediately after sun- 

 down, and this alteration of temperature would as a 

 matter of course become more marked, the greater 

 became the altitude occupied over the adjoining 

 high grounds. 



The lassitude and depression of spirits which I 



