CIVIUTY OF BUSHMEN. 1 57 



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

 tail-forceps to the neck of the other. On first observing 

 this imperfect insect, I imagined the forceps were on its 

 head ; but when the insect moved, their true position 

 was seen. 



The forest, through which we were slowly toiling, daily 

 became more dense, and we were kept almost constantly 

 at work with the axe ; there was much more leanness 

 in the trees here than farther south. The leaves are 

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

 ceedingly beautiful when seen against the sky ; a great 

 variety of the papilionaceous family grow in this part 

 of the country. 



Fleming had until this time always assisted to drive 

 his own waggon, but about the end of March he knocked 

 up, as well as his people. As I could not drive two waggons, 

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

 and went on, with the intention of coming back for him 

 as soon as we should reach the next pool. Heavy rain 

 now commenced ; I was employed the whole day in 

 cutting down trees, and every stroke of the axe brought 

 down a thick shower on my back, which in the hard work 

 was very refreshing, as the water found its way down 

 into my shoes. In the evening we met some Bushmen, 

 who volunteered to show us a pool ; and having unyoked 

 I walked some miles in search of it. As it became dark 

 they showed their politeness — a quality which is by no 

 means confined entirely to the civilized — by walking in 

 front, breaking the branches which hung across the path, 

 and pointing out the fallen trees. On returning to the 

 waggon, we found that being left alone 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 opposite result followed ; so he remained and 

 was useful, for we lost the oxen again by a Hon driving 

 them off to a very great distance. The lions here are 

 not often heard. They seem to have a wholesome dread 

 of the Bushmen, who, when they observe evidence of 

 a lion's having made a full meal, follow up his spoor so 

 quietly that his slumbers are not disturbed. One dis- 



