Mat.] departure FROM THE MOLOPO. 209 
which they had purchased from the Tammaha at 
Meribohwhey. It was understood that these 
skins were intended as articles of barter with the 
nations to the eastward of the Marootzee, in the 
direction of the Portuguese settlements. 
Munameets, who complained at the com- 
mencement of the journey of the jolting of the 
waggon, never afterwards ventured into it, but 
walked the whole way. 
We left the Molopo at noon, (Therm. 72, 
broken clouds,) and entered upon a plain ; for 
some time there were clumps of trees at a consi- 
derable distance from each other; then only grass, 
bounded by trees at a greater distance ; occasion- 
ally we passed over pavements of granite, each 
flag having grass growing around it. When walk- 
ing among the long grass, we were obliged to 
proceed with great caution, lest we should tread 
upon serpents, which abound in these parts- 
The chief danger from serpents in this country 
arises from treading on them while concealed by 
the grass ; in which case they will instantly bite 
the unintentional aggressor. In allusion to such an 
occurrence, our Lord said to th€ seventy disciples 
whom he sent out to preach his gospel, (Luke x. 
19,) " Behold, I give you power to tread on 
serpents and scorpions"—" and nothing shall by 
any means hurt you." Travelling in the plain 
VOL. I. p 
