GLOSSARY 163 



Hottentots. — A yellow race of men, larger than the Bushmen, who also 

 have inhabited South Africa away back into pre-historic times. It is 

 thought by some that they and the Bushmen are closely related, viz. 

 that the Bushmen are an offshoot from them, or they from the Bushmen. 



Prickly Pear. — A thorny, fleshy plant, of the Cactus family. Introduced 

 originally into South Africa from Mexico. It has flourished so well 

 that it is now a great pest in the country. Its fruit is eaten largely by 

 Hottentots, other natives, and baboons. The seed passes through the 

 alimentary canal unchanged. In this way the seeds are sown broad- 

 cast over the land. 



. Cheetah. — A carnivorous animal, known as the Hunting Leopard. It in- 

 habits Africa from the Cape to the Mediterranean, and extends to 

 India, where it is captured and trained to hunt antelopes. It is 

 supposed to be the fleetest of all animals, but cannot keep up the pace. 

 It makes a swift rush, and if unsuccessful in overtaking its intended 

 victim, it gives up the chase. 



Krantz. — A precipice. South Africa abounds in krantzes or precipices. 

 They are the homes of the baboons. The caves in them were formerly 

 inhabited by the ancient Bushmen. 



Klipdassie. — Otherwise known as a Rock-rabbit {Procavia capensis). These 

 animals are the size of an ordinary rabbit, but are tailless. They in- 

 habit the stony hills and krantzes, concealing themselves in the crevices 

 of the rocks. They are related to the rhinoceros. 



Vrouw. — ^The wife of a Dutchman. 



Roer. — The Boer name for a gun. Mostly applied to the old muzzle- 

 loading guns, such as flintlocks and Brown Besses. 



LooPERS. — ^The largest kind of shot (round leaden pellets). 



Slugs. — Lead cut up into small cubes or squares, and used instead of shot 

 or bullets. 



Touw. — The thong, usually of softened raw oxhide, which is held in the 

 hand by the leader of a team of oxen. 



Mealies. — Indian corn or maize. Grown largely all over South Africa. 

 The staple diet of the native population. 



Voerlooper. — A leader of a team of oxen. In South Africa, the wagons 

 are usually pulled by a team of from twelve to eighteen oxen, led by a 

 man or boy — usually a boy. 



Stoep. — The pavement in front of the door of a private house — usually a 

 verandah. 



Voertzik. — A corruption of Voortzegik, which means " Out I say," " Clear 

 out," " Get out." 



