314 
HOTTENTOT MODE OF DRINKING. 
2 July, 
On such excursions a leathern cup was always found to be a 
most useful part of the equipment ; as it was made of a single piece 
without seam, and could be folded to lie flat in the pocket. 
The Hottentots and Bushmen have, in travelling, no need of any 
drinking-utensil : they supply its place with their hand, in a most 
extraordinary manner : not, as we should suppose, by taking up the 
water in the hollow of it ; but by bending over the stream or pond, 
and throwing, or scooping, the water up to their mouth with their 
fingers held straight and close together. I have often admired the 
expertness with which it is performed by those who have been long 
accustomed to this method ; and have smiled at the awkwardness of 
those who would imitate them ; as they generally threw the water 
over their face and clothes, without being able to guide it into their 
mouth. 
We followed, as our guide, the track made by my waggons, 
although the Kamhanni Peak, which is in sight from every part of 
the country to the distance of two days-journeys, is generally de- 
pended on, as the chief beacon for those who wander over the 
surrounding plains. We found the waggon-track in most places 
more convenient ; as the high grass, which would otherwise have 
impeded us, was thus beaten down. The ride was exceedingly plea- 
sant, and the weather agreeably warm, yet not so hot as to occasion 
fatigue ; and the corn-like appearance of the grass, seemed almost to 
persuade me that we were travelling through some district where 
agriculture displayed all her riches. 
On arriving at the place, the horses were committed to the care 
of the Hottentot, while the object of our journey was sought for in 
every spot. But all was without success ; and we concluded that the 
knife must have been found by some native who had passed by, after 
we left the station ; or, that it was accidentally buried in the sand, 
and therefore irrecoverable. 
After waiting till the horses had sufficiently rested, and had 
been allowed time to graze along the banks of the stream and 
take a draught of its pure waters, we saddled again, and returned 
homewards. 
