388 A JOURNEY IN 
Having remained some time for the purpose of refreshing 
their ahnost exhausted cattle on the dehghtful banks of the 
Koiirmanna river, they again set forwards on the 23d, and, 
having passed through stragghng thickets of a new species of 
Mimosa, which was the only tree that appeared in this part 
of the country, and said to be that on which the comelopar- 
dalis is particularly fond of browsing, they halted in the even- 
ing at another clear and copious spring called Mapoolie. 
Here they were met by a deputation from the King, to say 
that he was anxiously expecting their arrival. The face of 
the country now began to assume a very different appearance 
to what it had hitherto done. It was tolerably well clothed 
with grass, and with thickets of shrubby plants ; and the Mimosa 
CainelopardaUs, spreading its branches like a large umbrella,, 
■was a remarkable and a distinguished feature. Game of all 
kinds was very abundant, and every hour brought in sighfe 
considerable herds of gnoos and quachas. 
A short skoff or day's journey carried the expedition, ob 
the 25th, to another copious spring called the Gafaikamma, 
the country still improving as they proceeded, and abounding 
with every sort of wild beast peculiar to this part of Southern 
Africa. Being now informed by the guides that the distance 
to the residence of their Chief Avas only a short day's journey, 
it was considered expedient to halt the waggons, while the 
two commissioners should proceed on horseback. Accord- 
ingly having selected a present for the Chief, which they 
carried in knapsacks and their pistol holsters, they set out 
with an interpreter ; and about the middle of the day, after 
