200 
ARROW-HEADS. — ROUTE WITHOUT WATER. U, 15 May, 
the poisonous point is turned inwards into the reed. The bone of 
the leg of the ostrich, is the most esteemed material, yet other bones 
are as commonly used for the purpose. The shape and make of 
these heads, though essentially the same, vary in some trifling par- 
ticulars, according to different tribes. * 
On my requesting Kaabi to lend me four pack-oxen to assist 
in carrying my baggage as far as the Gariep, he immediately, and 
with great willingness, promised that I should have them on the 
morrow. 
Judging from my former track, as it appeared upon paper, that 
we might reach the Gariep by taking a course directly across the 
country, I consulted with him respecting the probability of finding 
water by the way. His opinion was, that there was no impediment to 
travelling directly northward from this kraal, as the country was 
open, but we should not find any water ; and that it was safest for 
us to follow that river the waters of which we had so long drunk. 1 
therefore resolved to follow his advice ; yet I discovered afterwards, 
that the natives, at least, can traverse that tract, and consequently 
must know where to find springs by the way ; though it would be 
too great a risk for a large party of strangers and cattle, situated as 
we were, to venture on such an uncertain route. Notwithstanding 
this, Kaabi's advice was most probably given with reference to our 
circumstances ; as he might know that there would not be water 
enough for so many mouths ; as our dogs, horses, and oxen would 
require perhaps a larger quantity than those springs could supply. 
At night there was dancing in one of the huts, the same as 
* In the engravi?ig at the end of this chapter, the tipper figure shows the arrowhead 
taken out of the shaft or reed, part of which is seen on the right. The thicker and 
darker part under the triangular tip of iron, is the poison, at the bottom of which is the 
quill-barb : the rest is bone. The second figure is a bone-head without the iron tip, and 
in this the poison is layed on the thinner part, Of the three middle figures ; that on the 
right represents the lower end of the arrow, or that which is applied to the string : that on 
the left explains the manner in which the piece of iron is fixed into the bone. The 
above figures are taken from arrows used by the Bushmen visited in these travels : the 
three lower ones are from those used in Little, and Great, Namaqualand. 
