58 TRAVELS IN 
tion upon the cultivation of vegetables and 
fruit. This would be fo much the eafier to 
them, as, having acquired gratuitoufly a con- 
fiderable portion of ground, they can be in no 
want of a fpot for a garden. Meanwhile I have 
feen no roots or other vegetables regularly cuU 
tivated in any of the interior parts of Africa, 
except in the country of the Auteniquas. Every 
where elfe gardening is unknown ; and if you 
find a fruit-tree near any of their habitations, 
it is planted there only as fome great and un- 
common curiofity. 
Cuftom has rendered the planters infenfible 
to the want of fruit and pulfe. The facility 
with which they rear their cattle makes up for 
this privation, as their flocks afford them plenty 
of provifion. The chief food is mutton ; and 
their tables are loaded with fuch prafufion as to 
difguft one at the fight. 
From this mode of living, cattle are in the co- 
lonies, as in other places, not only a ufeful obr 
jed:, but an article of the firft neceflity. The 
planter undertakes himfelf the care of watching? 
over his flocks. Every evening, when they 
return from field, he ftands at his door, with 
a flick in his hand, and counta them over 
oae 
