1811. 
HOTTENTOT BATHERS AND ROPE-MAKERS. 
405 
mounds agreeably diversifying the surface. Here and there, short 
openings conducted down to the water, and tempted the bathers 
into tlie stream ; who sported about, or swam to the opposite side, 
with a facility and fearlessness which would have persuaded one 
that they had never heard of drowning. Their light-brown skin 
now appeared with its true color, and cleanliness rendered it not 
unpleasing. With hearts probably devoid of all care, and brow 
undisturbed by anxiety or reflection, they sported in the cooling 
element, playfully enjoying their salutary amusement. 
Leaving them to their gambols, and striking out of the path 
into the woods and groves, little parties of Flottentot women and 
girls were met with, seated in the shade, and busily employed 
in twisting cord from the Acacia bark, while others were chopping 
down the branches, or stripping off long pieces of it from the stems. 
Some were engaged in an occupation of a double nature ; for, in- 
stead of dividing the fibres by pounding them on a large stone, they 
performed the operation by chewing, as they fancy the juice to pos- 
sess an agreeable taste. 
Considering the mode in which it is manufactured, this cord is 
made very expeditiously. The workwoman, for this is a work that 
forms a part of female duty, being seated on the ground, and having 
a quantity of prepared bark at hand, spins two yarns at once, by the 
simple process of rolling them down her thigh with her palm ; and 
then, by bringing them close together, and rolling them upwards 
with a turn in the contrary way, they are neatly twisted into a 
strong single cord. A large quantity was made during our stay 
at this place, and carried home to Klaar water, where it was used 
in making the mats, for which the party we had left below the 
Salt-pan Ford, were collecting the rushes. This process, which 
can only be performed on the bare thigh, or sometimes down the 
outside of the calf, if continued for a long time, renders that part so 
sore, that they are obliged to desist for several days ; but after much 
practice, the skin becomes sufficiently hardened to endure it without 
inconvenience. 
Among the Hottentots an amusing bustle and activity was now 
