CflAP. VIII. THE BUSHMEN. 117 



E.). It is three or four hundred feet high, and covered with 

 trees ; and as it was the only hill we had seen since leaving 

 the Baniangwato, we felt inclined to take off our hats to it. 

 The valley Kandehai, on its northern side, an open glade 

 surrounded by forest trees of various hues, with a little stream 

 meandering in the centre, is as picturesque a spot as is to be 

 seen in this part of Africa. 



The game hereabouts is very tame. A herd of reddish- 

 coloured antelopes (pallahs) remained looking at us; while 

 gnus, tsessebes, and zebras gazed in astonishment at the 

 intruders. Some fed carelessly, and others put on the pecu- 

 liar air of displeasure which they sometimes assume before 

 they resolve on flight. Several buffaloes, with their dark 

 visages, stood under the trees, and a large white rhinoceros 

 passed along the valley with his slow sauntering gait without 

 regarding us. It was Sunday, and all was peace. 



On one occasion a lion came at daybreak, went round and 

 round the oxen, and then began to roar at the top of his voice. 

 As he could not succeed in scaring them, he went off in 

 disgust, and continued to vociferate his displeasure for a long 

 time in the distance. I could not see that he had a mane, 

 and, if he had none, even the maneless variety can use their 

 tongues. Others tried in vain to frighten the oxen, and, when 

 they failed, became equally angry, as we knew from their tones. 



The Bushmen of these districts are generally fine men. 

 They are fond of a root somewhat like a kidney potato, and 

 the kernel of a nut which Fleming thought was a kind of 

 betel. It came from a large spreading tree with palmate 

 leaves. From the quantities of berries and the abundance of 

 game in these parts, the Bushmen can scarcely ever be badly 

 off for food. As I could keep them well supplied with meat, 

 and was anxious for them to remain, I proposed that they 

 should bring their wives to get a share, but the}* remarked 

 that the women could always take care of themselves. Thcv 

 soon afterwards wished to leave us, and, as there was no ust 

 in trying to thwart them, I allowed them to go. The pay 

 nient I made them acted as a charm on some strangers wh.o 

 happened to be present, and induced them to volunteer their aid 



As we went north the country became lovely. The grace 

 svas green and often higher than the waggons, and the vines 



