FROM PETHERICK’S NOTE-BOOK. 
Rode down to lagoon_, saw fishermen in canoes from every quarter 
pulling for the little creek_, where our tent had stood. Parties of 
negroes^ carrying heavy loads on their heads,, were proceeding 
eastwards^ evidently denoting a removal. Observing a quantity 
of cords and cattle -pegs,, I thought the movement was confined 
to a change of pasture for their cattle^ and presently,, while sit- 
ting down on an ant-hill by the side of the lagoon,, the cattle,, 
driven forth out of the wood, passed by. The sight was very 
pretty, though the negroes, timid at the sight of me, were half 
inclined to fiy ; but a few kind words inspired confidence, and they 
continued onwards, casting, at the same time, many an anxious 
look at my half-dozen men and myself. The cattle were very fine, 
tall and long horned, white and fawn the predominant colours. 
There were nineteen distinct herds, and, as well as we could count, 
each numbered one hundred and fifty head, thus making a total of 
nearly three thousand cattle. There were many calves, but these 
were not included in the estimate. Deradau, the guide, who was 
with me — himself a large cattle owner — believed each herd to be- 
long to from three to four families ; therefore, taking the medium, 
the combined herds would belong to seventy- six families, which, 
comprised of five individuals each, would give a population of three 
