254 JOURNAI^OF A ^ 
beautiful animal, about three feet and a half long. It has a rougher 
skin, and a shorter tail than the tyger. Its general colour is a 
brownish-yellow. From the forehead along the back, three jet- 
black streaks run towards the tail ; the sides are marked with large 
single spots of the same colour; the tail has five black rings, and 
each ear two streaks. Broad black bands descend a little way, in 
curved lines, down the shoulders. It generally climbs trees, watch- 
ing for some unfortunate antelope or other creature to approach for 
shade, or near enough to be sprung upon. Perceiving that I was 
much pleased with the skin, Mr. Zondag's nephew brought me 
another still more beautiful, and well dressed. I inquired of the 
other dragoon, how I might reward his comrade for his generosity, 
for he had declined receiving any remuneration. He replied, that 
as he was " a great writer," but could get no paper, and was oblig- 
ed to write on any odd scrap he could find on the premises, some 
paper would be most acceptable. I gave him half a quire of fools- 
cap, and a few pencils and pens, with which he seemed extremely 
delighted. Sister Schmitt got here a supply of butter, apples, 
and other necessaries, and we left this hospitable family with ex- 
pressions of mutual esteem and affection. We were also supplied 
with excellent oxen, and Marcus, without much use of the whip, 
brought them frequently, on even road, into a sharp trot. 
Our next stage was Jacomim.a Barkhuis's farm, on Kierboom's 
Revier. The family received us kindly, as old acquaintances, and 
as the old lady pleaded inability to furnish oxen, Mr. Zondag had 
permitted us, in that case, to proceed with his spanns, to the 
house of the Veldcornet Michael Rendsberg, at Gaensekraal. We 
again entered the premises with some suspicion, lest we might be 
left to spend a cold night on the werft, but though the house was 
full of company, we met with a cordial welcome. The Veldcornet 
and his wife were remarkably attentive to us. Colfee was served, 
and the evening spent in lively and agreeable conversation between 
those who could speak Dutch. 
An English dragoon, who had arrived from Kliphiibel, told 
