OJF NATURAL HISTORY. 461 



ous exercifes, and participate the habitation, the bed, and 

 the table of their mafters. As their nature is improved by 

 the gemlenefs of their education, by the kind treatment they 

 receive, and the perpetual attention beftowed on them, 

 they acquire fendbiUty and inteUigence, and perform actions 

 which one would not expe£l from them. The Hottentots 

 train their oxen to war. In all their armies there are con- 

 iiderable troops of thefe oxen, which are eafily governed, and 

 are let loofe by the chief when a proper opportunity occurs. 

 They inftantly dart with impetuofity upon the enemy. They 

 flrike with their hornsj kick, overturn, and trample under their 

 feet every thing that oppofes their fury. They run ferocioufly 

 into the ranks, which they foon put into the utmoft diforder, 

 and thus pave the way for an eafy vidlory to their mafters*. 

 Thefe oxen iire likewife inftrufted to guard the flocks, which 

 they condudt with dexterity, and defend them from the at- 

 tacks of Grangers, and of rapacious animals. They are taught 

 to diftinguifla friends from enemies, to underftand fignals, 

 and to obey the commands of their mafter. When paftur- 

 ing, at the fmalleft fignal from the keeper, they bring back 

 and collect the wandering animals. They attack all ftrangers 

 with fury, which renders them a great fecurity againft rob- 

 bers. Thefe brackeleys, as they are called, know every inhabi- 

 tant of the kraal, and difcover the fame marks of refpedt for 

 all the men, women, and children, as a dog does for thofe 

 who live in his maflier's houfe. Thefe people may, there- 

 fore, approach their cattle with the greateft fafety. But, if a 

 ftranger, and particularly an European, fhould ufe the fame 

 freedom, without being accompanied with one of the Hotten- 

 tots, his life would be in imminent dangerf . 



• Voyage de Cap, par Kolbe, torn. I- page i6o. 

 f Voyage dc Cap, par Kolbe, page 307. 



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