1811. 
HANGKLIP IN THE KARRO. 
217 
At nine o'clock at night we reached the foot of a mountain 
called the Hangklip , (Hanging-rock), where we released the oxen 
from the yoke, and were om'selves glad to rest for the night. While 
some were busy in the ceremony of unyoking, others went out in 
search of fire- wood ; which, on arriving at a halting-place, is the very 
first thing a Hottentot sets himself about. For this work there is no 
necessity for the master to give any orders : in this they never forget 
to perform their duty. In winter or in summer, a fire seems to be 
to them equally needful : they cannot sit without it. 
The Hottentots assembled in two or three parties round as 
many blazing fires, now assumed a busy look, each intent on broiling 
his own steak. No sooner was it done, or nearly so, than, seizing it 
in his hand, he began and finished his meal, without seeming much 
to feel the want of fork, or plate, or table. The duty of the knife 
was most frequently performed by his teeth ; and his bare legs, arms, 
and feet supplied the place of a napkin ; in which last ceremony, he 
• seemed particularly anxious that no grease might be lost. This 
custom, dirty as it must appear, can be defended by a Hottentot 
with reasonable arguments ; for experience has taught this race of 
people, as it has others in different quarters of the globe, that to 
anoint or grease their bodies, is the most easy and effectual mode of 
preserving their skin from the unpleasant and painful effects of a 
scorching sun. 
These fire-light scenes have always a picturesque appearance * ; 
and the oxen, lying by the waggons, increased the social character of 
the assembly ; while the watchful dogs, continually moving about, 
gave us a security and confidence that no danger would approach us 
in the night, without being observed in time. We had hitherto 
slept unmolested by beasts of prey ; and though there was no appre- 
hension of falling in with many, till we approached the borders of 
the colony, yet it was deemed a proper and prudent precaution, to 
not recollect to have seen any very remarkable instance of it in the other African tribes 
which I visited in this journey. 
* Compare with the Vignette at page 172 of this volume. 
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