14 BOTUMAN. 



and I felt more refreshment in the morning air than 

 I had enjoyed from my night's repose. When 

 the Caffers began to make their appearance, and 

 saw me standing, gun in hand, at the doorway of 

 their Chief, it was ridiculous to observe their want 

 of confidence, and their suspicious glances at the 

 weapon : whenever I went up to accost any of them, 

 they generally ran away ; and when I suddenly 

 lifted up my gun in the direction of a bird that was 

 flying past me, they scampered off in the greatest 

 alarm, and could not be prevailed upon to return 

 until fully assured of my harmless intentions. Hav- 

 ing given Botuman his presents, and being provided 

 by him with a guide, and even with a horse, on 

 condition of remunerating him for its hire on our 

 return, we left his kraal for the Wesleyan Mis- 

 sionary Establishment at Mount Coke. Our route 

 lay through a pleasant and interesting part of the 

 country, both the plains and hills being studded 

 at intervals with the thorny mimosa, whilst small 

 patches of rudely-cultivated ground and the pic- 

 turesque dwellings of the natives occasionally diver- 

 sified the scene. Although the population is ex- 

 ceedingly numerous, the first impression would not 

 lead to this belief, as the inhabitants generally confine 

 themselves to the immediate neighbourhood of their 

 kraals, which are situated in ravines and valleys, 

 secured for the most part from distant observation ; 

 the absence, moreover, of all roads, except those 



