Chap. X.] SOUTHERN AFRICA. 



CHAPTER X. 



FROM MERITSANK TO MIMORI, AND HUNTING ON 

 THE MOLOPO. 



Continuing our journey on the 14th October, 

 twenty-eight mile?, through a beautiful country 

 abounding with trees and grass, we reached the Lot- 

 lokane, the shallow channel of a periodical river, 

 said in the rainy season to contribute its mite to the 

 Molopo, which it joins at some distance to the 

 westward. At this season it was perfectly dry; 

 but we had fortunately found a small pool of water 

 on the road, at which we breakfasted, after killing 

 several hartebeests and sassaybys. The skins of 

 both these animals, and especially of the latter, are 

 in great demand amongst the savages, for kobos, or 

 fur cloaks — both on account of their brilliant colour 

 and their supple nature. They are cured by means 

 of continual rubbing, stretching, and scraping ; and 

 for this purpose are constantly carried about, and 

 referred to as an amusement in moments of leisure. 

 The operation is rendered less tedious by the con- 

 stant addition of grease : and less irksome, by 

 savage bowlings and gruntings, intended to pass 

 current for singing. 



The sassayby, or crescent-horned antelope, and 

 the caama, or hartebeest, are both members of the 



