46 MATABELE LAND. 
craggy banks. There is an approach here to Ameri- 
can scenery. What a wonderful difference is made 
in one's feeHngs by the constant impression caused 
by fine scenery ! South Africa is sadly dull and 
monotonous, and I believe the influence is a bad one, 
and the loss of scenery has a depressing effect on the 
spirits ; one's imagination is never called into play. 
... I still admire the scenery, as we ride along 
home amongst the kopjes by the river. Here and 
there the large fleshy-leaved shrub,^ standing boldly 
out amongst the bare crags, is very striking. There 
is something here which might remind one a little of 
Central America, but somehow the charm is wanting. 
" September ^tJi. — . . . Inspanned at 7 p.m., 
and crossed the river. Stony and deep descent 
and ascent, with very deep sand ; very hard work. 
I feel deeply indebted to the Dutchmen, who not 
only helped us through it — the young fellow driving, 
and the old one helping — but, having lent us four 
oxen for the journey, sent for some more, to help us 
through this drift, after which they say all is right. 
Lovely moon as we trekked, but after all it is South 
Africa, and one cannot feel poetical. Picturesque 
kopjes on either side the road ; the scenery, however, 
not so striking as it was almost beginning to be at 
Makobi's. Outspanned at 10.30 p.m., having gone 
about six miles. Excellent supper on wildebeest 
steak, fried. 
" September 6t/i. — Dark cloudy morning, with a 
^ Doubtless a species of Euphorbia, many varieties of which are 
met with in South Africa. 
