154 
SOUTHERN AFRICA. 
diate neighbourhood of the Orange river ; but 
neither there, nor in the open country, is any- 
thing like timber to be found, which would au- 
thorize commercial speculations, such as have 
been recommended by a person travelling there 
some few years ago. If such efforts are to be 
put forth in Africa, let not energy or capital be 
wasted here, when far more promising fields for 
their employment can be easily found, nearer 
the navigable rivers, and frequented sea-ports 
of the Colony, along the Eastern coast. 
The climate here (as shewn in the extract 
quoted above) is intensely hot and oppressive, 
the average of the thermometer, during the 
summer months, being 120°. This intense 
heat, combined with the aridity of the soil, 
causes it to abound with the various species 
of reptiles ; amongst which, the hooded snake, 
or Cobra-di-capella, is conspicuous ; it being 
frequently seen in this district of the length of 
fifteen feet. In addition to which may also be 
enumerated the Puff-adder, (the Vipera-herus of 
Southern Africa) the Scorpion, Tarantulas, and 
several other equally poisonous and venomous 
insects. 
The tribes who inhabit this country are a 
collateral branch of the Hottentot family, from 
whom they do not materially differ, in their 
personal appearance, manners, habits, or cus- 
