126 MATABELE LAND. 
most part, like English woodland trees, but less In 
size ; in some places forming a thick bush, in others 
scattered over the greensward like English park 
timber. Occasionally a remarkable tree occurs 
of unfamiliar aspect, but this is quite the excep- 
tion. The kopjes are numerous ; some, merely- 
small piles of huge stones, with trees springing from 
the interstices ; others, hills of respectable size, built 
up of crags, and sometimes shutting in the horizon 
on every side. Here and there a stream runs 
through its deep stony bed in a deep valley, and 
then comes the tug of war, and the moonlight 
scenery is forgotten, whilst one's lungs are exerted in 
yelling to the oxen, calling each by his uncouth name. 
" My dogs always ride with me in my bed. One 
of them is a most faithful friend and agreeable 
companion to me. I should miss them very much. 
I had to sell my pony to the king, to keep in his 
good books, but was sorry to do it, although he may 
die now any time of horse-sickness. If he lives he 
is a valuable animal, and henceforth ' salted.' Birds 
are few here, and, for the most part, not striking in 
appearance. The same applies to flowers. 
" Old John Lee's voice is droning away about 
some oxen, and the family circle surrounds me, as I 
write this letter. Lee wants to borrow my waggon 
for two months to send for some meal, and to do his 
best to make me comfortable here in the meantime, 
but I have made a mental vow not to let myself be 
talked into the arrangement. ... I shall be very 
glad to hear recent news of how all are at home. 
