VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 237 
adjoining kraal, M-bether from fright, or env3^ing the horned cattle 
their happy escape, bleated aloud, the dogs barked, the children 
screamed, and even the geese and ducks joined in the horrible con- 
cert. This hubbub lasted for more than two hours, and when we 
arose, in the morning of the 
17th. Not an ox was to be seen, far or near. Men were sent in 
every direction, but it was nine o'clock before our cattle were brought 
back. Meanwhile the young people had grown more friendly, and 
inquired for Gnadenthal knives, called Boschlemmer. 
Being anxious to get across the Zuurberg before dark, Ave thank- 
ed God, that the weather remained fine and clear, and about noon 
reached the same valley, Avhich had been consecrated by our 
Good-Friday's service. But now we found the brook perfectly dry. 
The poor thirsty oxen, as soon as unyoked, rushed towards it, and 
thrust their noses into the reeds, which filled its bed; first into one 
place, then into another, Avhere they hoped to find Avater, but in 
vain. They then lifted up their heads in bitter disappointment, 
and belloAved forth their complaints. Having sent our people 
to the old forsaken kraal, to search for Avater, to our great joy, 
a pond Avas discovered, Avith fresh Avater in abundance. When 
driven to it, the oxen could hardly leave off drinking. MeauAvhile 
the Avind rose, and before Ave arrived at the top of the moun- 
tain, it blcAV a hard gale. We therefore hurried doAvn the other 
side into the woods. 
Having left the waggon, I Avalked down the steep declivity 
with Mr. Melville, at a little distance from the road; he, in 
search of plants, and 1, examining the stones. Having discovered 
some small crystals in a vein of quartz, I took up the stone, and 
feeling something soft under my thumb, turned it up, to see what 
it Avas. I found, that I Avas pressing upon a young tarantula, about 
the size of a halfpenny. Its legs, Avhich Avere chequered Avith brown 
and white, Avere doubled under its body, the creature being probably 
asleep. 1 shook it off, and called my friend to inform me, Avhat 
