380 TRAVELS IN 
Lions formerly were very common near this 
river, tecaufe antelopes alfo were found here 
in great abundance ; but when the inhabitants 
approached nearer to each other, the antelopes 
difappeared, and lions confequently are become 
much fcarcer. Having heard at Keveec-Valey 
that three formidable troops of Bofhmen were 
"ranging in the neighbourhood of that place, I 
thought it would be imprudent to penetrate 
farther the firft night ; befides this, I had 
been informed that, after crolfing the Gamka^ 
until I reached the Buffaloes River, I fhould 
not find a fingle drop of water. The diftance 
between thefe rivers was full twenty-five 
leagues : that I might not perifh with thirft, 
it was necefTary to perform this pafTage in two 
days, and it was impofiible to travel during 
the heat of the day without deftroying both 
my people and cattle. I refolved there- 
fore to remain two days on the Lion 
River, to ftrengthen and refrefh my oxen as 
much as poffible ; and, in the evening of the 
fecond day, banifhing every idea of fear, and 
paying little regard to the terror of my Hot- 
tentots, I refumed my journey, taking the pre- 
caution to ftation my whole caravan between 
two carriages, which ferved as an advanced 
and 
