THE KAFFRES. 31 



We have been induced to make this lengthy extract on account of its 

 giving a notable missionary experience, and illustrating a state of matters 

 very prevalent forty years ago, when the settlers and the natives were at 

 constant feud with each others. 



The Kaffres are allied to the Bechuana tribes. They are a bold and 

 warlike race, and having been dispossessed of portions of their land by the 

 colonists, they, for many years, kept up a state of war, which the whole force 

 of the Government could hardly bring to a termination. When hard pressed 

 they retreated to their mountain fastnesses, to issue forth on the next favour- 

 able opportunity, carrying ruin and desolation to many a homestead and 

 township. Burchell gives the following account of his first meeting with five 

 members of this nation : — 



" These men were not less than six feet in height, strong, and finely 

 proportioned, and, excepting a leather kaross, or mantle, wore no covering 

 whatever; a circumstance, so far as I have since been able to learn, quite 

 peculiar to the kosas, or Kaffres on the eastern side of the colony. Their 

 bodies and cloaks were reddened all over with ochre, mixed with grease. 

 They accosted us in an easy, manly tone, and with manners perfectly free 

 from servile timidity. . . . They were the most importunate beggars I 

 had ever met with ; soliciting for tobacco, or whatever else they saw which 

 they thought would be useful ; complaining also that their wives' heads 

 were uncovered, and much required a handkerchief to protect them from the 

 sun. It was impossible to avoid their importunities, except by granting what 

 they asked for ; and at last we got rid of them by giving them three legs of 

 mutton, a handkerchief for each, and a quantity of tobacco, enough for them 

 and their wives. I purchased from these men, for a handkerchief, a very 

 neat basket, wove with rushes so admirably close, that they are always used 

 for holding milk or other liquids. He was careful not to let this opportunity 

 pass without begging for something, and first asked for some brandy, which 

 being refused, he asked for money to buy some ; for these people are shrewd 

 enough to understand very well the nature and use of the Cape money. Two 

 of them could speak Dutch very readily ; and the principal one with a polite 

 and friendly air that I little expected in a savage, if such a term could 

 properly be applied to him, gently raised my hands to his lips in taking leave, 

 and expressed at the same time the warmest acknowledgments of gratitude 

 for the presents I had made them." 



The Kaffres are fuller in the face and darker in colour than the Hotten- 

 tots ; the beard is fuller, and they are much stronger and more finely formed. 

 Like the Bechuanas, to whom they are allied, they practice circumcision, but 

 appear to be unable to account for the origin of this practice. Their wealth 

 consists chiefly in cattle. Their huts are circular in shape, and are formed of 

 brushwood and grass. The land is the property of the whole tribe, and they 



