THE BLOOD RIVER. 99 



Buffalo River, where we found a good supply, with 

 plenty of grass for our oxen. Here we passed the 

 remainder of the day, and after travelling all night, 

 uit spanned a little before sun-rise at a place called 

 Cannon's Fountain. We soon, however, discovered 

 that there was neither grass nor water for the cattle, 

 and consequently pursued our route to Willow 

 Fountain, which takes its name from a number of 

 willow trees growing on its margin. 



If there is one circumstance more calculated than 

 another to depress the spirits of a traveller while 

 crossing these arid wastes, it is the sufferings of 

 his cattle, which he is compelled to drive frequently 

 forwards without food or water. Leaving our shady 

 retreat, we crossed the Blood River, so called 

 from a conflict that once took place there be- 

 tween some Boors and a party of Hottentots, in 

 which much blood was spilt on both sides. We 

 came to the Dwyka, or Rhinoceros River, on the 

 following morning. The sun had become obscured 

 by heavy thunder-clouds, which rendered travelling 

 much pleasanter to ourselves, and less fatiguing to 

 the oxen, than on any previous day since our en- 

 trance on this parched and dreary country. Avail- 

 ing ourselves of this circumstance, we pursued our 

 course, but had not proceeded far before the gather- 

 ing storm burst in terrific grandeur over our heads. 

 The thunder echoed in repeated volleys among the 

 neighbouring hills. The windows of Heaven seemed 



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