44 Men, Mines, and Animals in South Africa. 



instance, two years ago, nearly a quarter of a 

 million of carats were sold in one lot to one 

 buyer." ^ 



The company sustain a considerable loss annually, 

 estimated now at from 10 to 15 per cent., by 

 diamonds beino- stolen IVom the mines. To check 

 this loss, extraordinary precautions have been 



Sorting grayel for diamonds at Kimberley. 



resorted to. The natives are engaged for a j^eriod 

 of three months, during Avliich time they are 

 confined in a compound suiTounded by a high wall. 

 On returning from their day's work, they have to 

 strip off all their clothes, which they hang on pegs 

 in a shed. Stark naked, they then proceed to the 

 ^ Report, 1890, General Manager, De Leers. 



