Chap. XXV.] SOUTHERN AFRICA. 225 



was comparatively scarce throughout our journey. 

 Occasionally, however, and here in particular, we 

 found two species of the bustard, or paow of the 

 colonists — two of the florican or koraan — with four 

 distinct kinds of partridge. To these, however, 1 

 had little leisure to attend, my time being fully 

 occupied from dawn until dark, in the pursuit of, to 

 me, far more attractive objects. 



In the extensive and romantic valley of the Lim- 

 popo, which strongly contrasts with its own solitude, 

 and with the arid lands which must be traversed to 

 arrive within its limits, Dame Nature has doubtless 

 been unusually lavish of her gifts. A bold moun- 

 tain landscape is chequered by innumerable rivulets 

 abounding in fish, and watering a soil rich in luxu- 

 riant vegetation. Forests, producing timber of the 

 finest growth, are tenanted by a multitude of birds, 

 which, if not universally musical, are all gorgeously 

 attired ; and the meadows throughout are decked 

 with blossoming geraniums, and with an endless 

 profusion of the gayest flowers, fancifully distributed 

 in almost artificial parterres. Let the fore-ground 

 of this picture, which is by no means extravagantly 

 drawn, be filled in by the animal creation roaming 

 in a state of undisturbed freedom, such as I hav« 

 attempted to describe, and this hunters paradise 

 will surely not require to be coloured by the feelings 

 of an enthusiastic sportsman, to stand out in pro- 

 minent relief from amongst the lovehest spots in the 

 universe. 



L5 



