i44 MATABELE LAND. 



1 Song of the Elephants Feeding,' now and then 

 pausing and imitating the looking round for danger, 

 then recommencing the feeding, or imitating the 

 running of the elephants. The words were very 

 distinct, with no clicking. The following occurred 

 over and over again, the song sounding very monoto- 

 nous, but not at all harsh or unpleasant : — 



" ' Wanga marank, 



Swot ma ben a marank, 

 Watem ba marank, 

 Obeza marank, 

 Wamba marank.' 



One of the boys from Mungwato, whose language 

 this man knows a little, explains that he speaks of 

 the game feeding by the river — ' all the game.' The 

 minstrel was delighted with some tobacco. He is a 

 fine, well-made, powerful-looking, and nice-featured 

 young fellow, with a pleasant childish expression." 



Next day a large herd of buffalo was encountered 

 near the river, out of which were obtained a cow and 

 three-year-old bull, which supplied the camp with 

 meat. "Went after supper," writes Frank Oates 

 that evening, " to see the Bushmen and their wives 

 dance. They do this when full of meat, making a 

 great noise. The women stand in line, shuffling 

 their feet and clapping their hands, whilst the men 

 come and perform antics in front of them — one now 

 and then stepping out from the ranks and approach- 

 ing near to the women with dancing and gestures. 

 Now and then one excited will rush away half mad 

 into the veldt, and return again when tired. They 

 must work very hard in this dancing." 



