214 
SOUTHERN AFRICA. 
verned our own land ; and which, nevertheless^ 
we seem to find so many willing to aid, at the 
present time, in undermining and deprecating 
as unsound. 
Their habits of life are purely pastoral, they 
are also entirely a nomadic race, wandering 
from hill to hill, in quest of fresh pasturage for 
their vast herds of cattle. 
Their principal riches consist in oxen; and 
the dignity of the chief, as well as the impor- 
tance of the commoner, are both alike estimated 
by the number of cattle each possess. The dow- 
ry of the wife is also paid in cattle. The re- 
demption of a pledge ; the fine for a crime, or 
misdemeanour; and the principal transactions 
of barter and commerce are all in cattle. 
The care of the cattle and dairy is the high- 
est post of honor amongst them, and this is 
always allotted to the men. They milk the 
cows; herd the oxen; and keep the "kraals" or 
cattle yards. The women are neyer (under the 
pain of heavy chastisement) permitted to touch 
a beast : even the young calves and heifers are 
tended by the lads and boys, and should a wo- 
man or girl be found in or near the cattle, she 
is severely beaten. 
A curious custom prevails amongst them in 
connection with this usage. If a woman has 
necessity to enter a cattle "kraal J 1 she is obliged 
