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4 TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
Au^uft A^t^^op^ k'md at the Cape .; and in general their flefK is exccl- 
lent food. This night w€ flept under a large Mimofa tree, and 
the next morning went forward to the northward. About nine 
we arrived at the Great Thorn River, where we refted a few 
hours during the heat of the fun. This river, as I before ob- 
ferved, is much frequented by Lions and other ferocious ani- 
mals ; yet, notwithftanding the number and the fiercenefs of 
thefe formidable creatures, there are very few inftances of peo- 
ple being devoured by them. In the afternoon we continued 
our journey through a level country, having the Bofhmens' 
Land, or Long Hill, on our right hand, and the Karo Berg on 
the left. On our way we faw leveral Elks, Ey elands, &c. 
The country is in mofl: parts covered with a very -curious fort 
of cubic iron ore. On digging down, I found the cubic ore 
formed in a fort of free-ftone. In the evening we came to a 
place, called the Lion's Den, or Lieur Coile ; this is a large 
hollow rock, where we found water jufl: fufficieut to fupply 
ourfelves and our cattle; 
Early in the morning I made an excurfion to the vveflward 
in fearch of plants, while my two companions, Mr. Van Renan 
and Jacobus Ryke, direded their courfe to the northward in 
purfuit of game. At noon I returned to the Lion's Den, and 
thence proceeded to the northward, direding my fervants to 
follow we with the waggon. After travelling about eight miles, 
The length of the fkin, which 1 examined, was above fix feet fix inches. 
Inhabits Syria, Arabia, Perfia, and India ; i'Egypt, i^Ithiopia, and the Cape of Good Hope, 
where it is called Gems-bock, or Chamois." Pennant, vol. 1. p. 67. 
I may add, that it has remarkable long iharp horns, and when attacked by dogs, will fit 
on its hind quarters and defend itfelf. Paterfon, 
