216 
PLANTS. 
species of water-melon, which they cut into 
slices and dry in the sun, to preserve it till 
winter. There is another species of melon, called 
lichapoo, which they do not preserve. 
Pumkins were introduced among them by the 
Griquas, and the Missionaries have made them 
acquainted with the European melon and water- 
melon. The natives felt no reluctance to plant 
any of these, because they bore a resemblance 
to those which they had been accustomed to 
grow, but though fond of potatoes, and various 
other European articles of food, they have not 
been prevailed on to raise them, because to plant 
such vegetables would be an alteration or en- 
croachment upon the old system, which they 
venerate as established by their wise forefathers. 
This is a prejudice which is too common to 
civilized as well as barbarous nations. Indian 
corn, cabbages, &c. of which they are very fond, 
are regarded as only medicinal, and they sup- 
pose that by planting them they would be 
rendered unclean, and the falling of rain be 
prevented. Mateebe, however, though contrary 
to law, has resolved to plant tobacco for himself 
next r-^^ason. 
