106 EXPOSED SITUATION OF THE BOORS. 



to attacks from the native Bushmen, to whom their 

 flocks offer a strong temptation for plunder. Obey- 

 ing no laws but those of nature, and impelled by the 

 cravings of hunger, these Bushmen sally forth from 

 their concealment under the shades of night, and 

 carry off by stealth from the folds as many of the 

 flock as they can conveniently drive before them. 

 They sometimes contrive to destroy the farmers' 

 horses in order to prevent immediate pursuit, and, 

 aided by the natural advantages of their country, 

 added to the rapidity with which they travel, often 

 baffle the utmost vigilance of their pursuers, suc- 

 ceeding both in conveying away their booty, and in 

 securely effecting their retreat. Should they per- 

 ceive that there is a probability of being overtaken, 

 they immediately destroy the sheep, and make off 

 to their strongholds, in the most inaccessible parts 

 of the mountains ; thus when the farmer comes up 

 to his flock, he finds it scattered and destroyed : 

 a feeling of revenge is consequently excited in his 

 mind against the marauders, who, if discovered, 

 usually defend themselves with their poisoned arrows, 

 with the most obstinate and fatal determination. In 

 this manner a system of border warfare is kept up 

 between the parties with a spirit of the deadliest 

 rancour. 



Instances of the ferocity displayed by these people 

 in their attacks are of continual occurrence. In 

 March, 1829, Ockert Kruger, who dwelt on the 



