Twenty-Five Years in a Waggon in South Africa: Sport and Travel in South AfricaAnderson, Andrew A.
History
Twenty-Five Years in a Waggon in South Africa: Sport and Travel in South Africa
Anderson, Andrew A.
Africa, Southern -- Description and travel; Anderson, Andrew A. -- Travel -- Africa, Southern
Therefore I take much interest
in watching their characteristic qualities, in connection with the
general run of mankind. Anthropological study naturally embraces the
study of their early implements, where, and how found, their artistic
qualities, and for what purpose made, for peace or war, and this desert
is particularly rich in these interesting relics of past ages.
The desert on the east and south of these Chuana pits, extends up to the
chiefs Sechele, Montsioa, and Gaseitsive, that join on the eastern
boundary 230 miles, unbroken by rivers or native towns, one immense
tract of wood and plains, long flats, and in other parts undulating,
with the exception of the detached mountain ranges, which run north and
south--the continuation of the Langberg range--and they terminate 100
miles south of Lake N'gami. They are beautiful, picturesque and lofty
hills, rising from their base 3000 feet; many of their sides and deep
kloofs are thickly wooded with fine timber of great value, and in the
extensive ravines are ancient caves, some of them now used by the
Bushman tribe. This range is distant from these pits about twenty miles
on the east. Game of every kind is plentiful; lions, also, we hear for
hours every evening. Hawks, kites, vultures, eagles, locust-birds are
almost always seen on the wing.
As there was good water at these pits, in consequence of several heavy
thunderstorms having passed over the last few days, I have remained here
to have a little exploration of the country and provide a good supply of
dried meat, which is called biltong, for my people; and in the evenings,
when all work is over, they amuse themselves dancing, singing, and
shooting at targets with their arrows for small presents, which causes
great fun; they are the most happy people in the world. To amuse them I
made a kite about three feet in length, and with some string sent it
flying, to the astonishment and delight of all.
Spring was now advancing fast, everything springing into life. The
little, happy African lark flying up some thirty feet, where it remains
a few seconds, then down it comes with such a sweet plaintive voice, and
this is repeated every few minutes, and as there are many of them about,
their little notes are constantly heard. Thunderstorms are now coming
almost daily, and the evening sunsets are the most brilliant and
gorgeous that can be imagined, portraying golden lakes, mountains and
waterfalls, rivers and islands, with noble castles, and everything to
perfect a landscape, and this remains long without alteration. It has
been a source of much pleasure in this lonely region to endeavour to
convey the like on canvas.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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