SOUTHERN AFRICA. 203 
the evi] by an early seed-time. But there is a calamity of a 
different nature to which their crops are subject, against 
which there seems to be no preventive. This is occasioned 
by the multitudes of locusts with which they are occasionally 
infested. When these insects make their appearance, not a 
single field of corn remains unconsumed by them. In the pre- 
sent year, I imagine that the whole of the Sneuwberg Avill not 
produce a single bushel. In this and similar cases the in- 
habitants eat no bread ; they bear the evil with great pa- 
tience, and console themselves by saying, that they must make 
up for the loss in this article by killing a double quantity of 
mutton. But the greatest of all the drawbacks on the profits 
of the boors or grazing farmers is that which is occasioned by 
the depredations of the Bosjesmans. The trifling quantity of 
corn they cultivate is merely for home consumption ; their 
cattle are reared for the market. AVith all their precaution, 
and the constant attendance of numerous Hottentots in their 
employ, they are sometimes unable to prevent a surprise from 
these savages. An inhabitant of Sneuwberg not only lives 
under the continual apprehension of losing his property, but 
is perpetually ex,posed to the danger of being put to death. 
If he has occasion to go to the distance of five hundred yards 
from his house, he is under the necessity of carrying a mus- 
quet. He can neither plow, nor sow, nor reap, without 
being under arms. If he would gather a few greens in the 
garden, he must take his gun in his hand. To endure such 
a life of constant dread and anxiety, a man must be accus- 
tomed to it from his infancy, and unacquainted with one that 
is better. Notwithstanding these inconveniencies, Sneuwberg 
has its temptations. It may be considered as the best nur- 
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