144 ADVENTURES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 



the [ground before us as if wounded, while the cock bird 

 cunningly led the brood away in an opposite direction. 

 On the afternoon of the 3d of February we inspan- 

 ned, and retraced our steps to the drift, which we 

 reached in the d'ark : I, however, crossed the river, and 

 encamped on the opposite bank. On the following day 

 [ marched to a small kraal of Griquas, in hope of ob- 

 taining some corn. Our march was a heavy one, through 

 a sandy country adorned in parts with very ancient-look- 

 ing picturesque trees of the " cameel-dorn" species. 

 From the site of these kraals I obtained a distant view 

 of both the Vaal and Orange River. I found these Gri- 

 quas very importunate, flocking round my wagons and 

 begging for tea, coffee, tobacco, gunpowder, &c. Some 

 if these ruffians formed a plot to make me give up the 

 Bushboy who had entered my service, but, on my 

 threatening them with the vengeance of government 

 if they interfered with any men in my service, they 

 relinquished the idea. On the morrow it was ascer- 

 tained that the oxen, having missed the fountain, had 

 wandered very far in search of water : they were re- 

 covered more than half way back to the Vaal River. 

 1 purchased eight "emirs" or measures of wheat from 

 one of the Griquas, and also a couple of goats for slaugh- 

 ter. In the afternoon we inspanned, and trekked to 

 " Stink Vonteyn," already mentioned. On the march 

 I shot a large hawk, a species of buzzard, with ball, 

 and also a steinbok, at a hundred and sixty yards. On 

 the following morning the Namaqua partridges, which 

 every morning and evening visit the vleys and fount- 

 ains in large coveys for the purpose of drinking, mus- 

 tered in great force at " Stink Vonteyn." Of these 

 birds I have met with three varieties. They are abund- 

 ant wherever extensive open sandy districts occur, as 



