1811. 
MEETING WITH A PARTY OF NATIVES. 
291 
Hitherto, we had not seen a single native ; a circumstance 
occasioned, most probably, by their universal distrust of all strange 
visitors from out of the Colony. But having, by their spies and 
observations, satisfied themselves that we were friends, a party of 
eleven Bushmen, with three women, paid us a visit this morning. 
They were, in stature, all below five feet ; and the women still 
shorter ; their skin was of a sallow brown color, much darkened by 
dirt and grease. Their clothing appeared, in my eyes, wretched in 
the extreme ; but, doubtless, not so to them, as they all seemed con- 
tented enough ; although, when we first met, I observed in their 
looks great mistrust, and symptoms of much fear. These gradually 
wore off ; and, after we had confirmed the assurances of our peaceable 
intentions, by presents of tobacco and beads, they recovered their 
natural tone, and chattered and clacked with each other in a very 
lively manner. 
Among them, were some young men, whom, with all the remains 
of ancient prejudices, I could not help viewing as interesting. 
Though small, and delicately made, they appeared firm and hardy ; 
and my attention was forcibly struck by the proportional smallness, 
and neatness of their hands and feet. This conformation is com- 
mon (perhaps in Africa, peculiar,) to all the Hottentot race. 
The women were young ; their countenances had a cast of 
prettiness, and, I fancied, too, of innocence : their manners were 
modest, though unreserved. Their hair was ornamented with small 
Cowry shells*, and old copper buttons, which were interwoven 
with it. One of them wore a high cap of leather, the edge of 
which protected her eyes from the sun : at her back, and entirely 
hid excepting the head, she carried her infant, whose exceedingly 
small features presented to me an amusing novelty. The poor 
little thing bore all the rough jolting motion, with a degree of 
patience and unconcern which plainly showed it to have been used 
* Cyprcea moneta. Linn. These shells are not the natural produce of this part of 
Africa, but have been passed on from one tribe to another, in the course of barter. 
p p 2 
