214 
FRIENDLY KORAS. — SKETCH-BOOK. — THE ISLAND. 21 May, 
want of method, it was not till two hours afterwards, that the whole 
party were on the march. We soon arrived at the ford, which we 
found to be the same which bore the name of Engelsche Drift or 
English Ford. This was also formed by an island which divided 
the stream ; and although it was not so deep as the other, it still 
required the aid of rafts for passing the channel between us and the 
island. 
On the opposite bank, at some distance higher up, was a kraal 
of Koras, the same people whom we had seen when we crossed 
the river before. These soon observed us, and nine of them swam 
over, and readily, even unasked, lent their assistance in collecting 
wood for our rafts. The stony shore, partly overhung by trees, was 
soon a busy scene ; which, by the addition of the Koras to our num- 
ber, together with the horses, oxen, sheep, and dogs, presented a 
crowded and lively appearance. The broad expanse of water, was the 
more attractive to the eye, as it was a sight so rare in this part of 
the globe. 
While they were engaged in swimming the cattle through to the 
island, I employed the time in preserving the memory of these occu- 
pations and of this scene, by placing it in my sketch-book. Every 
additional sketch was, I considered, an additional triumph over 
oblivion, and a powerful assistant to recollection. I trust I shall be 
excused for here obtruding the advice upon those who may propose 
to visit countries little known, or seldom frequented ; that they would 
regard the art of drawing as of the highest importance ; not merely 
as the means of giving their friends an idea of those scenes and 
objects which they have beheld, but for their own gratification, and 
for the pleasure of a renewal of past impressions far more lively than 
any pen can render a written journal. 
It was nearly sunset before the whole of my party, and the 
baggage and cattle, were landed on the island ; three hours having 
been consumed on account of the number of times it was necessary 
to cross and recross the first channel. In one of these trips, the 
bands of acacia-bark with which the raft was bound together, broke 
