%lt TRAVELS IN 
thrown us, I was pleafed with the Idea of ad^ 
vancing, from the hope of finding convenient 
pafturage for my animals, which were all re- 
duced to a moft deplorable condition, and par- 
ticularly my oxen and horfes, which, fince we 
left Heere-logement, having had nothing but 
fuch oily plants to feed upon as had been fpared 
by the drought, were feized with a loofenefs, 
which gave me very great uneafmefs. That 
they flight recover, I allowed them a few days 
reft; during which, defirous of turning this de- 
lay to advantage,! refolved to traverfe the neigh- 
bourhood, and to explore the country, efpecially 
the mouth of the Elephants-River, which, 
from the information I had received, could 
be only a fhort diftance from my new camp. 
Klaas, though he ftill felt fome pains from 
his fall, was earneft in his defire to accompany 
me. I fet put, therefore, attended by him and 
three more of my people, among whom was 
one of thpfe Hottentots he had engaged in my 
fervice, and who was loaded with my private 
tent, the only baggage I thought it neceffary to 
take with me. My intention was to proceed 
along the bank of the river ; and I conceived 
that by thus following its courfe I fhould 
fhortei^ 
