AFRICA. 121 
his foon meeting with other hordes, that 
which he is going to quit fupply him with 
provifions as far as their clrcumftances will 
allow, and with every thing elfe neceffary for 
his continuing his journey, and reaching the 
place of his deftination. 
Before the arrival of the Europeans at the 
Cape, the Hottentots w^ere not acquainted 
with commerce, and perhaps they had no 
idea even of barter; but, on the appearance of 
tobacco and toys, they were foon initiated 
into a part of the mercantile myfteries. 
Thefe objefts, which at firft were only 
agreeable novelties, by length of time have 
become wants. When thefe articles grow 
fcarce among them, they are fupplied by the 
Hottentots of the colonies ; for it is proper 
to obferve, that however eager they may be 
to get fuch trifles into their pofTeflion, they 
do not take the trouble to go one ftep ill 
fearch of them themfelves, and they choofe 
rather to do without them. : in ufeful leC- 
fon to thofe who drag out a miferable exift- 
ence in continual agitation by purfuing 
fliadows. 
Such are thefe people, or at leaft fuch did 
they appear to me, in all the innocence of 
manners, 
