362 THE GREAT THIRST LAND. 



stone is a pool, in parts very deep, and covering quite 

 half an acre. 



It is about the last place that the traveller would 

 expect to find water, unless he were to watch the even- 

 ing flight of doves or Namaqua partridge (a sand-grouse), 

 both of which seem to have selected it as a favourite 

 watering-place, good proof that no other pools are to be 

 found in the vicinity. 



Here I have erected a most picturesque camp, the 

 sail of greased canvas intended to cover the wagon 

 has been made into a giant tent, under which I pass my 

 day and stable my horse at night. Lion spoor is so 

 abundant about the neighbourhood, that such steps 

 become imperative. So with a ship's lantern hanging 

 over her head, and myself within sight, with a couple of 

 double guns, loaded on purpose for emergencies, I feel 

 that my pet is tolerably safe. In fact, as a concur- 

 rence in my belief, E-uby lay down at night, which 

 I had never known her do previously after daylight 

 had departed. The first evening here I went out at 

 sunset, and soon shot enough Namaqua partridge to 

 satisfy my whole establishment. They are a beautiful 

 bird, almost as large as an English partridge, but of a 

 much more varied and brilliant plumage, and feathered 

 about the legs and feet, as all the grouse family are. 

 On the wing they are amazingly rapid, their flight, from 

 the size and pointed shape of the wings, resembling more 

 that of a swift. However, as in wild-duck-shooting at 

 flight-time, so with them get them against the clear 

 sky, aim well ahead, and after you have had a little 

 practice, you can make very good shooting. 



Some bushmen, attracted by our fires, paid us a visit 

 during the evening. All assert that game is most abun- 



