Chap. VII. METEOR. 173 



CHAPTEE VII. 



The Victoria Falls of the Zambesi — Marvellous grandeur of the 

 Cataracts — The Makololo's town — The Chief Sekeletu. 



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 grind- 

 stones, 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 remarked, is excellent 

 for cattle. One species, with leaves having finely serrated 

 edges, and of a reddish-brown colour, we noticed our men 



