2^2 
HOTTENTOT MODE OF COOKING AN OSTRICH-EGG. 1 Mahch, 
one of great antiquity ; for all the Hottentot race, their fathers, and 
their grandfathers' fathers, as they express themselves, have practised 
it before them. A small hole the size of a finger was very dextrously 
made at one end, and having cut a forked stick from the bushes, 
they introduced it into the egg by pressing the two prongs close to- 
gether ; then by twirling the end of the stick between the palms of 
their hands for a short time, they completely mixed the white and 
the yolk together. Setting it upon the fire, they continued frequently 
to turn the stick, until the inside had acquired the proper consistence 
of a boiled egg. This method recommends itself to a traveller, by 
its expedition, cleanliness, and simplicity ; and by requiring neither 
pot, nor water ; the shell answering perfectly the purpose of the first, 
and the liquid nature of its contents, that of the other. 
During the time of our halt, the weather which had been fair all 
the forenoon, began to change ; and clouds thickening over the sky, 
threatened us with instant rain. Seeing this, the Hottentots were 
preparing a shelter, with the view of remaining at this spot till the 
morrow ; but deeming it better to be riding, than sitting still, in the 
rain, I ordered them to re-pack the oxen, that, by proceeding farther, 
we might reach some better water before dark. 
We had but just set out, when a party of eight people was per- 
ceived hastening towards us ; and a nearer approach enabling us to 
discover that Makhoida (Ruiter) was of the number, we halted till 
they came up with us. He had not only, without much difficulty, 
prevailed on Riizo to relinquish his tobacco journey, and come 
directly to us, but our good fortune had so arranged it, that there 
happened to be at the same time at that place, the captain, or chief, 
of a large kraal which lay exactly in the direction of our course. 
This man, being about to return home, had himself proposed to join 
our party, and was now, with that intent, accompanied by three of 
his men, and three women, one of whom was his wife. 
I immediately fulfilled the promise of tobacco which Makhowta 
had in my name made to Riizo and at the same time made a present 
of an equal quantity to the captain, and to each of his party. This 
