SEPT.] 
BUSHMEN. 
437 
BUSHMEN. 
It is difficult to ascertain, with any precision, what 
may be called the Bushmen country ; the people live 
in so scattered a manner, and so frequently take up a 
temporary residence in various parts of South Africa. 
The greatest number of them seem to reside upon the 
four rivers which may be termed the four sources of 
the Great River, viz. the Malalareen, Yellow, Alexan- 
der, and Cradock rivers, which lie towards the eastern 
coast of Africa. Caffraria, and the countries of the 
Tambookies and Mambookies are between them and 
the Indian Ocean. Some of them wander about the 
sides of the Great River from the junction of the four 
rivers whicli compose it down to the very mouth. The 
tribe of Bushmen who live towards the mouth of the 
Great River are called Navii Ikaa. The name Bush- 
men perhaps originated from two causes: 1st. From 
their country, which lies between the Great River on 
the north, and Sneuberg, &c. in the colony on the south, 
and is bounded by Caffraria on the east, being almost 
destitute of trees, but much of it being covered with 
bushes : 2nd. From their method of assault, as they 
never attack man or beast openly but from behind 
bushes. 
I understand that some of them have a confused 
idea of a Great Being, and actions which they con- 
sider it impossible for man to effect they ascribe to 
that Being, but they have no knowledge that they are 
possessed of souls, any more than beasts , of course 
