14^ T R A V E L S I KT 
quently no ftres fhould be kindled in 
camp. 
But this meafure was become impradicable. 
On my arrival I had feen confiderable herds of 
zebras. I had feen alfo other herds, ftlll more 
numerous, of the fpecies of gnou, already men- 
tioned ; and I knew that fuch a number of wild 
quadrupeds muft neceffarily attraft beafts of 
prey. How then could I run the rifk of paff- 
ing a night without fires in a ftrange country, 
and in all probability infefled by lions and 
tigers ? 
Abandoning, therefore, my firft defign, I 
began to examine the neighbourhood, making 
fome of my people alfo patrole around, in order 
to be afTured that there were no enemies near 
us. I then, at the clofe of the day, gave orders 
that feveral large fires fhould be kindled, and 
that they fhould be multiplied as much as pof- 
fible, djfpofing them, however, in fuch a man- 
ner that they might enable us to diftinguifh, 
at a diftancCj if any thing dangerous fhould ap- 
pear. 
To overawe the Houzouanas, in cafe any 
of them fliould accidentally perceive us, I or- 
dered a general difcharge of mufquetry ; and I 
took 
