136 SOUTH AFRICAN SCENERY. 



lations of the plain. We were disappointed in not finding 

 game, and, descending the ridge, we remounted and rode 

 back to camp, with the purpose of advancing farther into 

 the country. 



The next day we resumed our march. The plain was 

 covered with a luxurious carpet of grass. Mountain 

 ranges bounded the view on every side, and strips of mi- 

 mosa forest stretched along their bases. After a very 

 pleasant journey, during which we killed several beautiful 

 antelopes, we reached what is called the salt-pan, an oval 

 basin, the bottom of which is usually covered with salt, 

 to the depth of two or three inches. In the vicinity of 

 this curious place we enjoyed good shooting, among herds 

 of antelopes, for several days. We had yet seen none of 

 the great game of South Africa, however, and we there 

 fore marched steadily forward to the region in which it 

 was said to abound. We crossed the Vaal river, and soon 

 afterwards reached the Eiet, beyond which we might ex- 

 pect to find the monsters of the plains. The people we 

 met, who were called Griquas, were friendly, but the mise- 

 rable Bushmen kept clear of our rifles. The country was 

 diversified, and we passed through many scenes which 

 words would be inadequate to describe. 



After passing the Eiet river we found ourselves in the 

 land where we might expect our sleep to be startled by 

 the roar of the lion. Three days afterwards we encamped 



