382 
SUPPLIES OF MILK. — THE CHIEF AT WORK. 
14 July, 
considered in this light, the same custom, consequently, was followed 
on the present occasion. It seemed to be intended rather as the sign 
of friendly reception, than as a desire to furnish me with provisions 
during my residence with him ; for it was never repeated but once 
afterwards. And although I daily obtained a supply of milk, this 
was always given in expectation of regular payment in tobacco, and 
required no thanks on either side ; for different chieftains sent it by 
their servants, who took back the money, as the tobacco might very 
properly be termed, often without my knowing from whom the milk 
was received. Yet these supplies came more frequently from the 
chief or his relations, than from other persons ; and who endeavoured 
to confine this trading to themselves. One of my Hottentots obtained 
this morning half a gallon for four inches of tobacco ; and reported 
to me that Mattivi had scolded his servants for not bringing us the 
milk earlier. 
On looking out of my waggon as soon as I rose> 1 found the 
Chief and his party, v/hich consisted of about ten or twelve of his 
principal attendant chieftains, sitting in a part of the enclosure oppo- 
site to me, employed in scraping the hair off from a skin intended for 
a kobo. The instrument with which this was done, was a small adze 
of the form already described.* The skin lay extended on the 
ground, and was occasionally sprinkled with water, to facilitate the 
removing of the hair. He was the only person at work upon it ; the 
rest were doing nothing, except now and then for a minute or two 
conversing together. 
I was allowed to take my breakfast undisturbed ; for although 
they attentively watched all my motions, no one came to the waggon. 
I sent the Chief a pot of milk and rice, which he immediately ate, in 
a manner which showed that he considered it very palatable. 
I soon after this, took my seat in the circle, and, informing 
him of the time when my dinner would be ready, invited him and as 
many as he thought proper to bring with him, or as my waggon could 
accommodate, to come and partake of the meal ; telling him als 
* In the first volume, at page 406. 
