to% TRAVELS IN 
defcribed, unlefs one be capable of fpeaking 
different languages. 
Had the authors, for example, who have 
advanced that the Hottentots worfhip the 
moon, comprehended the meaning of the 
words which they chant whilft fhe difplays 
her light, they would have obferved that 
they addrefs neither prayers, invocations, nor 
homage to that peaceful luminary. They 
would have known that the fubjed of thefe 
fongs is always fome adventure that has 
happened between them and the neighbour- 
ing horde ; and that, equally ready as the 
negroes, they can fing a whole night on one 
fubjeft, by repeating the words a thoufand 
times over. They prefer the night to the 
day for this purpofe, becaufe it is cooler, 
and invites them to dancing and to pleafure. 
When they are defirous of indulging in 
this amufement, they join hands, and form a 
circle of greater or lefs extent, in proportion 
to the number of male and female dancers, 
who are always mixed with a kind of lym- 
metry. When this chain is made, they turn 
round from one fide to another, feparating at 
certain intervals to mark the meafure ; and 
from time to time clap their hands without 
interrupting 
