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of the Hottentots—dashed into a narrow defile leading through the hills. Having reconnoitred the ground not an instant before, I 
galloped to the only other outlet, and stationing myself behind an abutting rock, disposed of two with each barrel, the muzzle of my 
rifle being only a few yards removed from the dense phalanx, which, still goaded on by the stiff horn of the Rhinoceros, rushed at the 
top of their speed through the opening, as closely packed together as a Manchester mob. Generally speaking it was found requisite to 
hunt these animals on horseback; but from the screen of the advancing caravan, I repeatedly slew them at long balls, a rifle bullet 
thrown from a distance of even three or four hundred yards into the middle of a squad, being nearly certain of tripping up somebody. 
The flesh of the Kokoon, like that of the white-tailed Gnoo, although lean, is tender and palatable, not much unlike beef im grain. It 
is greatly sought after by the savages, who entrap the animal in a variety of ways hereafter to be described, converting the hides into 
mantles, by dressing them without removing the shaggy hair of the mane and beard, which prove highly ornamental tippets. 
The Kokoon is most abundantly found in level grassy tracts, intersected by gentle slopes, where green lawns are shaded by clumps 
and labyrinths of stately trees, distributed with almost park-like regularity. Among the many species of mimosa which occur in these 
regions, the Acacia giraffe is the most remarkable, its spreading umbrella-shaped top casting a delicious umbrage, while the gaudy yellow 
blossoms, shaped like a powder puff, with which they are covered, fill the atmosphere with an aromatic and overpowering perfume. The 
boughs of many are decorated with green clusters of mistletoe, the bright scarlet berries hanging from which prove highly ornamental ; 
and the huge thatched nests of the Lowa Socia, which are piled up amongst the branches of others, attract the attention of the traveller 
at every step—the little speckle-headed tenants fluttering round their hive like a busy swarm of bees, or assembled in congress upon 
some old withered branch, where they perch in a long row, and eravely discuss the important affairs of the commonwealth. The banks of 
the Orange river constitute the southern limit to the range of this industrious little architect, which is about the size, and has much 
the appearance of the common house sparrow that, without the smallest variation, pesters mankind in every known part of the globe. 
To this species of the feathered race are exclusively confined those republican principles which actuate a number of individuals to as- 
sociate; and clubbing their labour, to build their cities under one common roof. A large and lofty tree having usually been selected, the 
little community proceed heart and hand to construct the public canopy, in the completion of which all are equally interested ; and 
haying piled up a sufficient quantity of coarse grass to serve as.a general roof, each pair constructs its own nest beneath, of similar ma- 
terials—placing them side by side, until the lower surface of the mass exhibits the perforated appearance of a honey-comb. Never 
frequenting the old nests a second season, but year after year adding a fresh tier to the under part of the old pile, it not unfrequently 
occurs, that although firmly interwoven with the branches of the tree to which it is suspended, and often embracing also within its sub- 
stance a portion of the stem, the superincumbent weight of the mass at length causes the fall of the support, and with it, the annihilation 
of the overgrown fabric. 
