i882.] On the Way to the Zambesi, 27 
We have just got to another well, which is, however, almost 
dry, and have travelled forty hours from the last water, during 
which we only stopped for five hours ; the oxen have been 
without water for three days. As there is not water enough for the 
oxen and donkeys they have to go half a day further on. I was 
glad, I assure you, to lie down and get a little sleep. The 
endurance of these people astonishes me. Some of them walked 
the whole time; and walking two days and a night through 
loose sand is no easy thing. The first day we stopped two hours 
for meals, during the night two hours for sleep, and two hours the 
next day for food. Tinka as yet has no certain news as to water 
beyond the Botletle River, so it is not clear whether we shall go- 
on or not. I am getting into training by walking a long distance 
every day, and I can endure a good deal of thirst. The natives 
drink a lot of water, and seem to suffer if they are without it for 
one day. 
Letlakani Water ^ June 21s f. — We have got thus far, but are all 
very tired. The waters were so very low and so few and far 
between that we have had to push on, the oxen not being able 
to get more than one drink at the different wells. Poor animals, 
they do look knocked up, their necks all raw with the galling of 
the yoke ! The wells are very deep, so that to water a span of 
oxen is no light task, the men having to climb up and down with 
pails of water. I am busy at making boots, and have success- 
fully finished one, which fits admirably (not to speak of appear- 
ance) ; the soles are giraffe-hide, the uppers, I think, are buffalo, 
and are stitched with narrow strips of zebra-skin. 
June 22nd. — We have met a trader going to Shoshong, so I 
finish this letter at once. I am writing in the waggon while 
travelling. We are a few hours from the Botletle river. It is 
very hot, but I am keeping very well — indeed, could not be 
better. 
VILLAGE PREACHING AMONG THE BECHUANA. 
Botletle River ^ Sunday, June 2^th. — We reached this a few 
hours after I sent off my last letter. We stay here eight days 
altogether, and are outspanned in a most desolate spot. Behind 
us is the great Kalahari Desert, and before us a great stretch of 
reeds. A strong wind is constantly blowing from the desert, 
bringing with it clouds of white sand ; but better to have a wind. 
