i26 MATABELE LAND. 



most part, like English woodland trees, but less in 

 size ; in some places forming a thick bush, in others 

 scattered over the greensward like English park 

 timber. Occasionally a remarkable tree occurs of 

 unfamiliar aspect, but this is quite the exception. 

 The kopjes are numerous ; some, merely small piles 

 of huge stones, with trees springing from the inter- 

 stices ; others, hills of respectable size, built up of 

 crags, and sometimes shutting in the horizon on 

 every side. Here and there a stream runs through 

 its deep stony bed in a deep valley, and then comes 

 the tug of war, and the moonlight scenery is for- 

 gotten, whilst one's lungs are exerted in yelling to 

 the oxen, calling each by his uncouth name. 



" My dogs always ride with me in my bed. One 

 of them is a most faithful friend and agreeable 

 companion to me. I should miss them very much. 

 I had to sell my pony to the king, to keep in his 

 good books, but was sorry to do it, although he may 

 die now any time of horse-sickness. If he lives he 

 is a valuable animal, and henceforth 'salted.' Birds 

 are few here, and for the most part not striking in 

 appearance. The same applies to flowers. 



" Old John Lee's voice is droning away about 

 some oxen, and the family circle surrounds me, as I 

 write this letter. Lee wants to borrow my waggon 

 for two months to send for some meal, and to do his 

 best to make me comfortable here in the meantime, 

 but I have made a mental vow not to let myself be 

 talked into the arrangement. ... I shall be very 

 glad to hear recent news of how all are at home. 



