834< 
SOUTHERN AFRICA* 
which distinguish the other chains. This regioii 
is entirely destitute of trees, but produces in abun- 
dance grass and corn, though this last is liable to 
that great scourge of Africa, the locust. The 
sheep are the best which the colony produces. 
The situation of the inhabitants is peculiarly hard, 
from being perpetually exposed to the attack of the 
savage Bosjesmans* The farmer can neither plough, 
sow, nor reap, unless armed. He dare not even go 
out to gather a few vegetables, without a gun in 
his hand. This perpetual danger gives them more 
hardy and active habits than the other colonists. 
The women even possess more animation ; and 
some have taken a musquet, and attacked the as- 
sailants. 
The party, proceeding with an advanced guard 
for the purpose of observation, succeeded at length 
in surprising a kraal of Bosjesmans. Contrary to 
express orders, two of the guides fired ; upon which 
the whole of the kraal set up frightful screams, and 
ran to the top of the neighbouring rocks. Find- 
ing themselves not pursued, and presents offered* 
the children first came down, then the women ; 
lastly, three or four men ; but no more could be 
induced to approach. They are perhaps the ugliest 
race in nature ; though, if the letter S be consider- 
ed as the line of beauty, it might be presented by a 
section from the breast to the knee. The protu- 
berance behind consisted of fat which, in walking, 
