HUNTING IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. 225 



side of the road, and the plains on which it is constructed is 

 thickly covered with a species of wild basil, yielding an aro- 

 matic scent when crushed under the foot. We had scarcely 

 passed this desolate city of the desert, when the lightning 

 began to flash, and tremendous peals of thunder burst over 

 our heads. A black cloud that had suddenly formed then 

 emptied its contents upon us ; the rain pouring down like 

 sluice for five minutes, and obliging us to seek shelter in the 

 wagons. Ceasing as abruptly as it commenced, we passed 

 on at once to parched and dusty land, from a tract which had 

 in an instant become covered with pools of water. 



"It was nearly dark when we reached the Molopo, a few 

 miles below its source. This river which forms the western 

 boundary of Moselekatse's territory, exhibits a broad shallow 

 bed, covered with turf, traversed by a deep stream about ten 

 yards wide, completely overgrown with high reeds. The soil 

 on both sides is black, spread with luxuriant grass, and de- 

 tached clumps of acacia. We crossed, and encamped on the 

 northern bank, under a solitary tree, around which was a ready 

 made fence for the cattle. During the night, the obtrusive 

 visit of a hippopotamus of which amphibious animals there 

 are abundance in the river caused great consternation; 

 Richard screaming, and the Hottentots expending their ball- 

 cartridge as usual. 



" The two following days were spent in hunting the eland 

 and gemsbok. The latter, which is doubtless the animal 

 from which the delineations of the fabulous unicorn have de- 

 scended, is one of the most magnificent antelopes in the uni- 

 verse. Although common in Namaqua-land, it is rare in this 

 part of the country, and we were fortunate in finding three, 

 one of which I succeeded in riding down ; nearly, however, 

 sacrificing my best horse in the arduous achievement. The 

 oryx is about the size of an ass, and nearly of the same ground 

 colour, with a black list stripe down the back and on each 

 flank ; white legs variegated with black bands ; and a white 



