262 POPULAR GEOGRAPHY OF PLANTS. 



agreeably surprised. When we land on the western coast, 

 between 18 and 19 south latitude, our eye travels over a 

 vast grassy plain, over which we might wander for days 

 without reaching the end ; for it runs very far into the in- 

 terior, the whole surface being entirely devoid of anything 

 like a tree. To the south of this, between 20 and 21 

 south latitude, and extending from 15 to 20 east longi- 

 tude, lies a large district called Damara Land, which pos- 

 sesses indeed but little botanical interest; as four very 

 thorny Mimosas " form the vegetation of this country, to 

 the exclusion of nearly every other tree or bush " only two 

 timber-trees are to be seen in this part of Africa; one 

 which looks something like an Elm, and goes by the name 

 of the Unna, and the Camel-thorn (AlJiagi Maurorum), 

 which, like the other, is a fine tree, but more gnarled. For 

 some distance we travel over a crisp, sandy desert, which 

 increases by contrast the delight with which we hail the 

 sight of a river-bed (called the Swakop) lying in a deep 

 hollow, green with grass, and as smooth as a lawn, bordered 

 by a thick fringe of high reeds, with clumps of Camel-thorn- 

 trees clustered here and there. But we must consent, if we 

 wish to see the more pleasing aspect which African vege- 

 tation wears somewhat further to the north, to " push our 



