184 THE BUFFALO, &c. 



they become capable of performing actions 

 which approach to the human powers. The 

 Hottentots * train their oxen to war, and em- 

 ploy them nearly in the fame manner as the 

 Indians employ the elephants. Thefe oxen 

 are intruded to guard the flocks f , which they 



conduct 



* The Hottentots have oxen which they employ fu.ccefsfully 

 in their combats. Thefe animals arc called Backeleys, from 

 the word backeley, which, in the Hottentot Iangaa ni- 



iies ivar. In all their armies there are confiderabje troops 

 of thofe oxen, which are eafily governed, and which are 

 let loofe by the chief, when a proper opportunity occurs. 

 They inftantly dart with great impetuo.'ity on the enemy. 

 They ftrike with their horns, kick, overturn, and trample 

 under their feet every thing that oppofes their fury. Hence, 

 it not quickly turned back, they run ferocioufly into the ranks, 

 which they foon put into the utmoft diforder, and thus pre- 

 pare an eafy victory for their matters. The manner in which 

 thefe animals are trained and difciplined, reflects much ho- 

 nour on the genius and ability. of the Hottentots ; Voyape de 

 Cap de Bonne-EJperance, par Kolbc, torn. i. p. 1 60. 



■f Thefe backeleys are likewife of great ufe in guarding 

 the flocks. When pasturing, at the fmalleft fignal from the 

 keeper, they bring back and collect the wandering animals. 

 They alfo run with fury upon Grangers, which makes them 

 a great fecurity againft the attacks of the bufchies, or robbers 

 of cattle. Every Kraal has at leaft fix of thefe backeleys, 

 which are chofen from among the fierce/! oxen. When 

 one of them dies, or becomes unferviceable by age, another 

 is felected from the flock to fuccecd him. The choice is made 

 by one of the olden; Kraals, who is fuppofed to diftinguifh, 

 the animal that will be mod eafily inflructed. This noviciate 

 is aflbciated with one of the moil experienced backeleys, and 

 he is taught to follow his companion, either by blows, or 

 by other means. In the night, they are tied together by the 

 horns, and are likewife kept in the fame fituation during 

 part of the day, till the young ox is completely trained to 

 be a vigilant defender of the flock. Thefe backeleys, or 



keepers* 



