6 MATABELE LAND. 



Colenso, Lady smith, Newcastle, Pretoria, Crocodile 

 River, and Bamangwato. . . . This country is not 

 to be compared with America. The most of it about 

 here is hilly, the hills in places becoming mountains, 

 and all covered with coarse dry grass, and scarcely 

 a stick of timber. There is nothing to compare with 

 the lovely tropical scenery of Central America, or 

 the magnificent mountains, prairies, lakes, and rivers 

 of the United States. I never expect to admire any 

 country so much as I do the western world. Per- 

 haps one reason that the North American Indians 

 were for savages a superior race was their fine 

 scenery." 



Again, from the Umgeni River, a few miles upon 

 the journey, he writes, May 17th : — 



" We are now fairly on our way. Last night was 

 my first night in the waggon, and Willie's second. 

 We are 13 miles on our way. Our waggons are 

 most comfortable. We have a wooden framework 

 in each waggon, surmounted by a substantial mattress 

 and lots of blankets. We have tin wash-hand basins, 

 cups, and plates, and fare luxuriously. Bell is now 

 cooking some chops. I am reminded of some very 

 pleasant days in the wilds of America." 



Ladysmith was reached on the 24th of May and 

 Newcastle on the 31st, a halt of two or three days 

 being made at each place. On the 23d of June 

 the party arrived at Pretoria, and Frank Oates 

 writes from that place, June 27th : — 



" We have now been ' trekking ' {i.e. travelling in 

 waggons) for six weeks from yesterday. We have, 



