1811. THE ELAND DESCRIBED. 3I3 
wards, and thin legs, in a great measure contribute. While young, 
they are fleeter than the generality of Cape horses ; but when old, 
their bulk, especially of the males, renders them heavy and more 
easily overtaken. Their fur, or more properly hair, is most fre- 
quently thin and short ; and in color an uniform brown, in some 
approaching to a blueish ash-color, in others, to sandy hue. From 
the other antelopes, it is distinguished by a remarkably large dew- 
lap ; and is, when at its full size, estimated to be generally larger 
than an ox, with respect to the quantity of flesh. 
All the hunters returned before sunset, having shot a couple 
more ; and two waggons were immediately unloaded and sent to 
bring the carcases home. But they had paid dearly for their game, 
by their venturous imprudence in riding into the midst of a large 
herd ; when the animals, in their own defence, turned upon them, 
and gored two of the horses, one of which received a deep thrust 
under the shoulder blade, and the other one in the side. The riders 
fortunately escaped unhurt ; but came home with very woful coun- 
tenances. 
Berends's brother, who had been absent two days, to examine 
the state of the River, returned with the pleasing account of its still 
remaining fordable. In the morning the two waggons which we had 
left behind on the road, arrived safe with the mother and the new-born 
child ; the former " as well as can be expected," and the latter very 
likely to make one in an Eland hunt, before twenty years shall have 
been added to the day on which this stranger joined our caravan. 
\5th. This being Sunday the greater part of the Hottentots 
were assembled to prayers ; a custom which had been kept up during 
the whole journey, whenever circumstances permitted : nor was it 
without practical utility, as it contributed something towards order 
and decorum, so essential to the safety of a large party of travellers. 
It was late in the afternoon, before the whole of the people 
could get themselves in readiness for starting. Every one appeared in 
good humour, as this was to be the last day's journey before we reached 
the River, as it was now called ; being indeed the only one within 
several hundred miles, deserving of that appellation. The dogs 
participated in the general liveliness ; but it was from another cause : 
s s 
