318 EXPEDITION INTO 



pending" operations until the ensuing* spring-, when their 

 horses, only three hundred of which were at that time fit for 

 service, should have been recruited by rest and fine pas- 

 turag'e. To men whose numerical inferiority was counter- 

 balanced chiefly by their equestrian habits, this was obviously 

 a consideration of the hig-hest importance ; and as the king- 

 was known to avoid military expeditions during- the winter^ 

 from the circumstance of the slender costume of his warriors 

 being- so ill adapted to meet the severity of the climate, it was 

 resolved to postpone hostilities until after the season had 

 re-opened. Having- fortified their camp, therefore, as far as 

 circumstances would admit, the isolated emig-rants frequently 

 sent out strong- patroles to observe the motions of their arch 

 enemy, carr3^ing on their ag-ricultural pursuits at the same 

 time, to a limited extent, and making- every preparation 

 for a final effort, the success of which should decide whether 

 they were to settle permanently at Natal, or re-pitch their 

 tents upon the plains that are watered by the tributaries of 

 the Likwa. 



