Chap. VIII] SOUTHERN AFRICA. 67 



whose architecture and magnificent edifices, I had, 

 till now, entertained a very inadequate conception. 

 Faint and bewildered, my prospects began to 

 brighten as the shadows of evening lengthened. 

 Large troops of ostriches running in one direction, 

 plainly indicated that I was approaching water ; and 

 immediately afterwards I struck into a path im- 

 pressed with the foot-marks of women and children 

 — soon arriving at a nearly dry river, which, running 

 east and west, I at once concluded to be that of 

 which I was in search. 



Those only who have suffered as I did during 

 this day from prolonged thirst, can form a compe- 

 tent idea of the delight, and I may add, energy, 

 afforded me by the first draught of the putrid 

 waters of the Meritsane. They equally invigorated 

 my exhausted steed, whom I mounted immediately 

 and cantered up the bank of the river, in order, if 

 possible, to reach the waggons before dark. The 

 banks are precipitous — the channel deep, broken, 

 and rocky : clusters of reeds and long grass indica- 

 ting those spots which retain the water during the 

 hot months. It was with no small difficulty, after 

 crossing the river, that I forced my way through 

 the broad belt of tangled bushes which margined 

 the edge. The moonless night was fast closing 

 around, and my weary horse again began to droop. 

 The lions, commencing their nightly prowl, were 

 roaring in all directions, and no friendly fire or 

 beacon presenting itself to my view, the only alter- 

 native was to bivouac where I was, and to renew 



