Memoir of Sir Andrew Smith, by Alex. Michie. 39 



drowning, of Corporal McKenzie, 72nd Kegiment ; and by one of 

 the men being carried off by a lion. 



The party returned to Philippolis in the end of November, and 

 after a few days rest, set out for Kuruman, crossing, in the be- 

 ginning of January, 1835, the Vaal river; which being in full 

 flood, was effected with great difficulty and no little danger. In 

 the end of the month they arrived at Kuruman, and were 

 heartily welcomed by the Eev. Messrs Hamilton and Moffat, the 

 latter entering into Dr Smith's plans with characteristic zeal. 



It being deemed expedient to open communication with 

 Moselekatse before advancing further, two messengers were de- 

 spatched to Mosiga, then the residence of that chief, with strict 

 injunctions to proceed with all haste, and return without delay. 

 Meanwhile, Dr Smith decided, with a small party, to explore the 

 borders of the Kalahari desert. Both men and oxen suffered in- 

 tensely from hunger and thirst,, the only supply of water for 

 several days being obtained from pits of great depth, dug in the 

 dry river beds by the poor Bakalahari. Ample compensation 

 was, however, obtained by the addition of many rare speoimens 

 to the already rich collection of objects of Natural History. On 

 the return of the messengers from Mosiga with a favourable 

 reply, and a guide to conduct the party thither, preparations 

 were at once made for the continuation of the journey ; and, it 

 being deemed desirable that Mr Moffat should accompany the 

 expedition to Moselekatse, that gentleman readily acceded to the 

 proposal, though at considerable self-sacrifice. They set out 

 from Kuruman at the end of April, were joined by Mr Moffat, at 

 Motito, then the most advanced missionary station in South 

 Africa, and, though the tribes were in an unsettled state, they 

 reached the Molapo river safely. This being the western 

 boundary of the Matabeli country, they had to wait for permis- 

 sion to go on. This having been obtained, in a few days they 

 arrived at Mosiga, and were received in a friendly manner by the 

 king, who expressed his anxiety to render to the expedition 

 whatever aid might be considered necessary. Mr Moffat re- 

 mained with Moselekatse while Dr Smith went on to the tropics, 

 exploring the Oori, Mariqua, and Limpopo rivers. For a time 

 great obstacles were thrown in the way of the advance of the 

 party, the king having professed great solicitude for the safety 

 of Dr Smith, while in reality it was believed his sole object was 



