158 THE NAMAQUA SUN-BIRD. 



arrows that make such havoc with the wild 

 creatures of the plain. 



But the Bushman cannot always procure suffi- 

 cient food, even though he will devour snakes, 

 ants, and locusts. 



The women go about collecting roots and 

 melons, and all the fruits they can find, to eke 

 out a scanty living. 



The Bushman has a neighbour far more provi- 

 dent than himself. He has just the same diffi- 

 culties to contend with, for he cannot always pro- 

 cure food ; and if it comes a dry season, the melons 

 and gourds will fail him. But he cultivates a 

 little garden of his own, and grows herbs and 

 vegetables for his use. And he has a flock of 

 goats, which he contrives to keep alive in spite 

 of the occasional want of water. 



"Water is as scarce as possible during the long 

 droughts ; and the Bechuana, as he is called, dare 

 not let his well be seen. His fierce neighbours 

 would come and rob him of the precious store ; 

 so he is obliged to act with the utmost caution. 



He keeps the well covered over with sand, so 



