Chap. VIII. AN AKTEATEK. \\~ 



the range of the forceps on the tail. Ab the head of this 

 creature is beneath the soil, it becomes a question how it can 

 guide the other end to its prey. It is probably a new species 

 of ant-lion (Myrmeleon formicaleo), of which great numbers are 

 met with, both in the larvae and complete state. The ground 

 under every tree is dotted over with their ingenious pitfalls. 

 The form of the perfect insect is familiar to us in the dragon- 

 fly, which uses its tail in the same active manner. Two may 

 often be seen joined in their flight, the one holding on by the 

 tail-forceps to the neck of the other. 



The forest daily became more dense, and we were kept 

 almost constantly at work with the axe. There was much 

 more foliage on the trees than farther south. The leaves are 

 chiefly of the pinnate and bi-pinnate forms, and are exceed- 

 ingly beautiful when seen against the sky. Fleming, who 

 had hitherto assisted to conduct his own waggon, knocked up 

 at the end of March. As I could not drive two waggons, I 

 shared the remaining water with him, about half a caskful, 

 and went in search of a fresh supply. A heavy rain com- 

 menced ; I was employed the whole day in cutting down 

 trees, and every stroke of the axe brought down a thick 

 shower on my back and into my shoes, which in the hard 

 work was very refreshing. In the evening we met some 

 Bushmen, who volunteered to show us a pool. I unyoked and 

 walked some miles in search of it. On returning to our waggon 

 we found that the loss of our companionship had brought out 

 some of Fleming's energy, for he had managed to come up. 



As the water in this pond dried up, we were soon obliged 

 to move again. One of the Bushmen took out his dice, and, 

 after throwing them, said that God told him to go home. He 

 threw again in order to show me the command, but the oppo- 

 site result followed. He remained and was useful, fol a lion 

 drove off the oxen to a great distance. The lions here are not 

 often heard. They seem to have a dread of the Bushmen, 

 who, when they observe evidence that one of these beasts has 

 made a full meal, follow up his spoor so quietly that his 

 slumbers are not disturbed. One discharges a poisoned arrow 

 from a distance of a few feet, while another throws his skin 

 cloak over the animal's head The surprise causes the Hon to 

 lose his presence of mind, and he botm&F away in terror 



K 



