258 THE AMAPONDA. 



amongst the most active and zealous of his enemies. 

 This system prevailed to a dreadful extent through- 

 out the land, previously to the establishment of 

 missions, and even now it is by no means an un- 

 common occurrence, although concealed as much as 

 possible from the observation of Europeans. 



Crimes of all kinds are commonly atoned for by 

 pecuniary fines, unless in the case of robberies com- 

 mitted on the property of a Chief; then the punish- 

 ment of death is usually inflicted. When cattle 

 are missing, the owner endeavours to track the 

 " spoor " of the animals until he discovers their re- 

 treat ; and should he succeed in tracing them to a 

 kraal, the people residing at the place are account- 

 able, and must either assist in obtaining their re- 

 storation, or pay a fine which is generally propor- 

 tioned to the number lost. Very little disgrace is 

 attached to the thief: if not detected he is con- 

 sidered a lucky fellow, but should he be discovered 

 he is then said to be unfortunate ; should he however 

 be repeatedly thus unfortunate, the people of his 

 kraal become incensed at being involved in trouble 

 and loss of cattle through his misdemeanors, and he 

 is ultimately obliged to escape for his life. 



Among the Amaponda where game is scarce, 

 owing to the dense population, certain restrictions 

 are enforced, and men of influential property claim 

 the right of hunting in particular forests, allowing 

 no intrusion without their permission being first 



