237 



CHAPTER IX. 



Leave the Chumie— Caffer Marriage— Strange Ceremonies— Dress 

 —Importunity of the Caffers— Surround the Waggon — Continue 

 to follow — Sudden Alarm — Lose the Oxen — Bivouack — Proceed 

 to Fort Wiltshire —Chief Makamo — The lost Oxen restored. 



Having now spent several days at this station, we 

 took our departure with many agreeable recollec- 

 tions, both of the kind treatment we had received 

 from our friends, and of the many pleasing scenes 

 peculiar to this fine country which we had enjoyed 

 the opportunity of beholding. Whilst we were halt- 

 ing at a short distance from the settlement, Mrs. 

 Steedman availed herself of the opportunity of 

 taking a sketch of this interesting spot, which the 

 annexed plate Avill serve in some degree to illustrate. 

 The village is situated at the foot of the Chumie 

 Mountain, which is thickly covered with forest- wood 

 and with flowering shrubs, forming a bold back- 

 ground. The buildings consist of two rows of small 

 cottages, at the upper end of which stand the 

 church and mission-houses. In the foreground is 

 seen our evening encampment under the shade of 

 a thorny mimosa, from the branches of which are 

 hung several nests of the weaver-bird. A party of 

 Caffers appear, returning from the chase with the 

 produce of their sport. 



