236 
AFRICAN HUNTING. 
penetrate so far, but I have sad misgivings about my 
wagon, which is twenty-seven years old and very 
shaky and rickety, but perhaps, with the aid of green 
hides and rhinoceros skin, she may hold together. 
There are hardships enough in travelling in the thirst 
land, without the anxiety of fearing lest your old 
wagon should leave you in the desert far from any 
human assistance. I believe I have almost every 
other requisite for exploring the continent—health, 
strength, a constitution well inured to the climate, 
a constant supply of good spirits, a knack of gaining 
the good will of the Kaffirs, natives, and Hottentots, 
who will go anywhere and do anything for me, as I 
always lend a hand at anything, and study their com¬ 
forts as well as my own. I have no ties of kindred 
or friends here to make me wish myself amongst 
them. I never weary with vain regrets, but always 
make myself happy, and endeavour to make the best 
of everything, and interest myself in the journey 
throughout. I have now got a two-grooved rifle, 
made by Witton, the most perfect weapon I ever 
handled. It shoots perfectly true with any charge 
of powder, and with a conical ball and six drachms 
of fine powder I have never seen its force equalled; 
but the recoil will, I fear, twist me out of the saddle. 
If I live for another year I trust to be able to 
start with not less than three well-appointed wagons, 
oxen, horses, guns, ammunition, and stores to match, 
and then, if health is permitted me, I can go wher¬ 
ever my restless fancy and my love of excitement 
