34 EXPEDITION INTO 



in token of the then resistless fury of that flood^ which now 

 appeared so smooth and tranquil. To those who ma}^ con- 

 ceive this description overcharged I will only remark^ that 

 the sig'ht of water after da^^s in the desert, is probably one 

 of the most delig-htful sensations that a human being- can 

 experience. 



Our transit across the Orang-e River was hig-hly amusing-. 

 In consequence of the depth of water, we were oblig-ed to 

 make an elevated platform within the wag"g"ons, on which to 

 place our bag-g-ag'e. The double line of oxen stoutly stem- 

 ming- the current, the frantic g'estures of the drivers, and the 

 singular appearance of the followers, now wading-, now swim- 

 ming-, laden with the lig-hter bag-gag-e, and urging- on the 

 loose horses and sheep, altogether presented a picture which 

 I shall not readily forget. 



Before reaching Campbellsdorp, a missionar}^ station, we 

 observed a large party of Corrannas engaged in an attempt 

 to run doAvn an ostrich on foot — a prodigy of speed which 

 these people sometimes achieve. Their prevailing dress is a 

 cloak and cap of leather, bedaubed in common Avith their 

 own skins, Avith an unguent of grease and red ochre ; but 

 the exhortations of the missionaries have, in some instances, 

 caused this primitive garb to be supplanted by leathern 

 jackets and trowsers of European fashion. At Campbells- 

 dorp we were kindly received by Mr Bartlet the missionary, 

 but were disappointed at learning that the Chief Waterboer 

 was not at Griquastaad. Captain Cornelius Kok was also 

 absent, but his locmii tcncns being* desirous of purchasing- 

 finer}^ for his wife, obliged us with three fjit oxen in return 

 for a glaring stamped table-cloth, to which Ave added a 

 pound of tea. Mr. Bartlet considered himself Avell repaid 

 for a sturdy ox by a small canister of gunpoAvder. 



When near Daniels-kuil — a kraal of Griquas, or mulatto 

 Hottentots,- A\'e met their Chief, Captain DoAvd, Avhose mouth 



