PRICKLY GRASSES. 287 



vegetation becomes parched, the prevailing tint of 

 the landscape is of a dull ashen hue, or sombre grey 

 colour. 



In the intervals between the bush, in the rainy season, 

 abundance of succulent grasses and herbage springs 

 up, often attaining a height of three or four feet or 

 more, which then affords excellent pasturage for stock 

 of all kinds; but as the dry season sets in, and these 

 grasses ripen, assuming an appearance very much like 

 ripe oats or wheat growing in an English corn field, 

 they are then, however, apt to become exceedingly hard 

 and wiry; spikes often forming at the ends of the 

 stalks, which at such times renders travelling exceed- 

 ingly disagreeable, as the sharp and sometimes barbed 

 points inflict nasty wounds both upon man and beast. 

 These spikes are also apt to break off, and fill the 

 clothes of the passers-by with prickles, which soon 

 make them un wearable. Stout leather leggings there- 

 fore in these districts become almost a necessity. 

 Doubtless it is these, and other kindred difficulties, 

 which have called into existence the curious, narrow, 

 beaten footpaths, which exist throughout the whole 

 interior of Africa. The long grass and thorny bush with 

 which the wilderness is there covered, generally compel 

 travellers to confine their wanderings to these well- 

 worn tracks, the necessity for which thus at once 

 becomes apparent. 



The tremendous thorns with which the bush is armed, 

 also seem to be a special characteristic of the bush 

 country ; these thorns are as a rule quite two to three 

 inches in length, and often considerably longer. 

 They are also stout in proportion, and of course capa- 

 ble of inflicting the most serious wounds. Many of 



