1812. 
SITUATION AND PLAN OF THEIR KRAALS. 
55 
of a nation differing in language from the white-men of the Colony, 
did they ask me a single question respecting my country, or seem at 
all desirous of gaining any new idea, or any additional knowledge. 
Their character possessed nothing of dullness or stupidity ; but, on 
the contrary, they were lively enough ; and on those topics which 
their peculiar mode of life brings within their observation and com- 
prehension, they often showed themselves to be shrewd and quick. 
They talked with much pleasure and animation on the subject of the 
proposed rhinoceros-hunt ; and, very naturally, admired the great 
utility of my umbrella in protecting me from the burning sun, for at 
that time they felt, on their own uncovered heads and naked bodies, 
all the inconvenience of its scorching rays. 
I quitted this party in order to take a further survey of the 
kraal and its domestic oeconomy : while they still remained sitting in 
their place, without attempting to follow me. Its situation was on 
every quarter exposed and without a tree to interrupt the view. 
Bushmen, in pitching their kraal, always chuse a spot, so bare and 
open that no enemy can approach them without being seen. The 
top of a hill which stands separately on a plain, is therefore an ap- 
proved site ; because, with eyes little inferior in optical power to 
small telescopes, they can, while they themselves remain unobserved, 
watch every movement around to a great distance. 
I noticed that the opening, or entrance, of each hut was always 
directed towards the inside of the circle *, so that the area surrounded 
by their dwellings, and where they keep their cattle at night, was 
within sight of all the inhabitants ; and no attempt by their enemies 
to carry off their cattle in the night, could be made without being im- 
mediately perceived. With a view, as I imagine, of having their 
arms always in readiness, their hassagays were stuck upright into the 
ground close by the side of the hut, being, in fact, too long to be 
placed conveniently within it : while their quivers, arrows and bows, 
as being their principal weapon, lay by their side, ready at hand for 
the first moment of alarm. 
* The fourth plate of this volume is referred to, for the representation of a kraal 
similar to that which is here described. 
