AFRICA. 
101 
lightful borders of Fifli-River, where I had 
fojoiirned with fo much pleafure. I flattered 
myfelf that I fliould in Uke manner find there 
provifions in abundance for my company, 
new plants and animals to increafe my col- 
ledions, and ohjedts with which I was unac- 
quainted to gratify my curiofity. Accordingly 
I gave orders to my | eople to dired: their 
courfe towards that quarter ; and, though 
it was lengthening our way, we proceeded 
along the plain. 
We had marched three hours, expofed to the 
fcorching heat of the fun, when the horizon 
became fuddenly darkened, and arrightful ftorm 
feemed gathering over our heads. Long and 
frequent flaihes of lightning darted between 
the clouds ; the thunder roared in a moil 
^wfal mianner ; and our animals by their 
perturbed and reftlefs movements announ- 
ced that th^ tempeft was likely to be tremen- 
dous* 
Without lofing time, my oxen were un- 
loaded, my tent was ereded, mats and flvins 
were prepared to afford us fhelter, and every 
one took a fhare in the labour. Our precau- 
tions, howe^'crj v^^ere of no avail. The wind 
became fo impetuous that nothing could reliO: 
H3 it J 
