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composition, we frequently get a mouthful of scone tasting 
strongly of that most unpalatable ingredient. 
July 22nd, Off again early this morning, and as the 
river here took an almost straight course for some 
miles, we kept close along its banks. We are hoping 
to reach some kraals to-morrow, where possibly something 
eatable may be got, or perhaps another bearer or two. 
The Caffres are always following the ''honey bird'' when 
they see it, as it leads them on from tree to tree to the 
bees' nest, and when successful in finding honey they 
always leave a share for the bird. It has often taken our 
men to bees, but no honey, so I conclude it is the wrong 
time of year to find it. One can't help thinking of the 
green peas, strawberries, and cream, and the other good 
things at home, when we should be thankful even for a 
turnip. I shot a buck impala, and we put his head, after 
cleaning it, up in a tree to wait till called for. Had a 
delicious bathe in the river, but afraid to go in for a swim 
of any distance as there are so many alligators about, and 
they are very fond of catching the unfortunate niggers by 
the legs, who naturally stand in great awe of the monsters. 
July 23rd. Heard the lions '' roaring after their prey " 
last night for the first time, and one was very close to our 
camp. The dog was terrified, and crouched in between 
Dubois and Kemp. On the march the hunters had kept 
close along the banks of the river on the look out for 
hippopotami, and found some in a deep pool ; but we had 
cut off a bend as usual where we could, and consequently 
left them behind ; the men did not disturb them, and we 
shall be almost certain to find them in the same place 
to-morrow. We saw some natives on the opposite bank of 
the river, and called to them for information about the 
village which we knew was not far off, but could get 
nothing out of them as they were evidently much alarmed. 
In the evening I went out and shot another koodoo which 
