is pretty accurately laid down from occultation and other observations.  I may mention that the valley on its northern side, named Kandehy or Kandehai, is as picturesque a spot as is to be seen in this part of Africa.  The open glade, surrounded by forest trees of various hues, had a little stream meandering in the centre.  A herd of reddish-colored antelopes (pallahs) stood on one side, near a large baobab, looking at us, and ready to run up the hill; while gnus, tsessebes, and zebras gazed in astonishment at the intruders.  Some fed carelessly, and others put on the peculiar air of displeasure which these animals sometimes assume before they resolve on flight.  A large white rhinoceros came along the bottom of the valley with his slow sauntering gait without noticing us; he looked as if he meant to indulge in a mud bath.  Several buffaloes, with their dark visages, stood under the trees on the side opposite to the pallahs.  It being Sunday, all was peace, and, from the circumstances in which our party was placed, we could not but reflect on that second stage of our existence which we hope will lead us into scenes of perfect beauty.  If pardoned in that free way the Bible promises, death will be a glorious thing; but to be consigned to wait for the Judgment-day, with nothing else to ponder on but sins we would rather forget, is a cheerless prospect.

Our Bushmen wished to leave us, and, as there was no use in trying to thwart these independent gentlemen, I paid them, and allowed them to go.  The payment, however, acted as a charm on some strangers who happened to be present, and induced them to volunteer their aid.

The game hereabouts is very tame.  Koodoos and giraffes stood gazing at me as a strange apparition when I went out with the Bushmen.  On one occasion a lion came at daybreak, and went round and round the oxen.  I could only get a glimpse of him occasionally from the wagon-box; but, though barely thirty yards off, I could not get a shot.  He then began to roar at the top of his voice; but the oxen continuing to stand still, he was so disgusted that he went off, and continued to use his voice for a long time in the distance.  I could not see that he had a mane; if he had not, then even the maneless variety can use their tongues.  We heard others also roar; and, when they found they could not frighten the oxen, they became equally angry.  This we could observe in their tones.

As we went north the country became very lovely; many new trees appeared; the grass was green, and often higher than the wagons; the vines festooned the trees, among which appeared the real banian (’Ficus Indica’), with its drop-shoots, and the wild date and palmyra, and several other trees which were new to me; the hollows contained large patches of water.  Next came water-courses, now resembling small rivers, twenty yards broad and four feet deep.  The further we went, the broader and deeper these became; their bottoms contained great numbers of deep holes, made by elephants wading in them; in these the oxen floundered desperately, so that our wagon-pole broke, compelling us to work up to the breast in water for three hours and a half; yet I suffered no harm.