246 METEOB. Chap. XI. 



heavy, that our companions declared only two or three men 

 in their tribe could lift one. 



A herd of elephants makes sad havoc among the trees, 

 which cover the highlands only in patches. They break off 

 great branches as easily as we could snap the shoots of 

 celery ; and they often break down good-sized trees in 

 the mere wantonness of strength, without even tasting 

 them. 



During the time we remained at Motunta a splendid 

 meteor was observed to lighten the whole heavens. The 

 observer's back was turned to it, but on looking round the 

 streak of light was seen to remain on its path some seconds. 

 This streak is usually explained to be only the continuance of 

 the impression made by the shining body on the retina. This 

 cannot be, as in this case the meteor was not actually seen 

 and yet the streak was clearly perceived. The rays of 

 planets and stars also require another explanation than that 

 usually given. 



Fruit-trees and gigantic wild fig-trees, and circles of stones 

 on which corn safes were placed, with worn grindstones, point 

 out where the villages once stood. The only reason now 

 assigned, for this fine country remaining desolate, is the fear 

 of fresh visitations by the Matebele. The country now 

 slopes gradually to the west into the Makololo Valley. Two 

 days' march from the Batoka village nearest the highlands, 

 we met with some hunters who were burning the dry grass, 

 in order to attract the game by the fresh vegetation which 

 speedily springs up afterwards. The grass, as already re- 

 marked, is excellent for cattle. One species, with leaves 

 having finely serrated edges, and of a reddish-brown colour, 

 we noticed our men eating : it tastes exactly like liquorice- 

 root, and is named kezu-kezu. The tsetse, known to the 



