7 
commenced ; and besides, we often liad to use water from 
wliat might have been springs, but were in reality little 
better than mud boles. These were the principal items of 
our outfit, besides the usual luggage ; and though a 
hundred other things might be added, according to the 
fancy of each individual, it is a great convenience not to 
be bothered with a pile of unnecessary packages. I 
would, in addition to the above, recommend a trochiameter 
and pedometer, as the distances, even in the Transvaal and 
many parts of Natal, are unknown from place to place, 
and it is satisfactory at the end of the day's march 
to know how far one has travelled. A sextant, artificial 
horizon, &c., should be taken by anyone intending to 
take observations ; and I often regretted I had not got 
them when away in the bush, as the rivers and hills are 
very imperfectly laid down in any maps of the country 
bevond civilization. 
In due time the last box was packed, the last day at 
home arrived, the final good-byes were said, and on 
March the 4th, 1873, we left for Southampton, having 
previously sent on our heavy luggage, under the care of 
Kemp, a servant, who had been eleven years with the 
family, and was going out with us, being anxious to see 
something of the world. I may here mention he proved 
invaluable, and throughout the trip, especially during 
our bush life, proved the right man in the right place. 
I now give the remainder of our experiences in the form 
of a journal, which was often written under difiiculties, 
but which I hope may prove interesting to anyone who 
cares to follow us on our travels. 
1873, March 5th. Went on board the Union Company's 
S. Ship African" about mid-day, and punctually at two 
o'clock we slowly steered out of the Southampton dock 
into the Channel, only now realizing the fact that we were 
actually off. We spent the afternoon, while in smooth water, 
