44 EXPEDITION INTO [Chap. VI. 



motion and flexibility of joint. The rapidity with 

 which they drive off a herd of cattle is perfectly 

 astonishing. Their complexion is sallow brown, 

 darkened by dirt and grease: their only dress a 

 piece of leather round the waist, and their sole 

 defence a diminutive bow, with poisoned arrows, 

 rather resembling children's toys than mortal wea- 

 pons. 



The women, who were much less shy, and who 

 never failed to follow the tracks of our waggons 

 when they happened to come upon them, with the 

 hope of obtaining tobacco in exchange for ostrich 

 eggs, are of small and delicate proportions, with 

 hands and feet of truly Lilliputian dimensions. 

 Their foot-prints reminded us of Gulliver's adven- 

 tures, and are not larger than those of a child. 

 When young they have a pleasing expression of 

 countenance, which they take care to render as 

 captivating as possible by bedaubing their flat noses 

 and prominent cheek-bones with a mixture of red 

 ochre and fat. The toilets of many were made 

 with scrupulous attention, the effect of the paint 

 being enhanced by necklaces composed of the fresh 

 entrails of wild beasts — a few cowry shells, old 

 bones and buttons, being also interwoven with their 

 matted hair; but the life they lead, their frequent 

 long abstinence, and constant exposure to the wind 

 and glare of light in a dry open country, soon 

 ■ inducing the habit of keeping their naturally small 

 eyes more than half closed, their comeliness is very 

 ephemeral, and never extends beyond youth. The 



