AFRICA. 385 
But the precaution was unneceflary. As we 
approached the mouth of the river, we found 
upon it an Infinite multitude of groufe, flamin- 
goes, pintadoes, geefe, ducks, and other birds of 
different fpecies. The number was evenfo great, 
that we made no provifion, gave ourfelves no 
concern in the morning for what we iliould fup 
upon at night. 
I found alfo, among thefe birds Intended for 
our table, fome not unworthy to form a part 
of my coliedion. Thefe I prepared on the 
fpot ; and, that they might not become too 
troublefome from the number of the packets^ 
1 flulFed them into the belly of m^y oricou, 
which thus ferved me as a portmanteau. 
The trees were full of a particular kind of 
monkeys,, of which alfo I was defirous of pro- 
curing one for my colleclion. But thefe ani- 
mals were too cunning ; and, in fpite cf all 
the ftratagems v/e employed, we could" never 
get within fhot of them. 
On our way we met with three Hottentots, 
who were much furprifed at feeing us. One 
of them fpoke fluently the Dutch language, 
having lived a long time in the colony. By 
them we were informed, that we had at lead 
Vol, IIL C c four 
