SOUTHERN AFRICA. 57 



the only alternative was to bivouac where I was^ and to 

 renew my search in the morning'. Kindling* a fire^ I formed 

 a thick bush into a pretty secure hut, by cutting* away the 

 middle^ and closing' the entrance w ith thorns ; and having- 

 knee-haltered* my horse to prevent his straying-^ I proceeded 

 to dine upon a Guinea-fowl that I had killed^ comforting* 

 mj^self wdth another draught of aqua pura. The monarchs 

 of the forest roared incessantly^ and so alarmed my horse, 

 that I w as obliged repeatedly to fire my rifle to g*ive him 

 confidence. It was piercing-ly cold^ and all my fuel being* 

 expended, I suffered as much from chill as I had during* 

 the day from the scorching- heat. About 3 o'clock^ com- 

 pletely overcome by fatig'ue, I could keep my eyes open no 

 long*er, and commending- myself to the protecting- care of 

 Providence, fell into a profound sleep. 



* Knee-haltering- is the colonial method of securing- a horse when turned 

 out to graze ; a leathern thong attached to the neck, is passed round the knee 

 and tied. 



