Yankee Girls in Zulu LandSheldon, Louise Vescelius
History
Yankee Girls in Zulu Land
Sheldon, Louise Vescelius
South Africa -- Description and travel
On very hot days we used to contrive an awning on the shady side of the
wagon, under which we would sit and read or make lazy attempts at
sewing. But the silence of the stilly veldt, broken only by the hum of
some buzzing insect, would more often put us to sleep. If our existence
was not one of contentment, then there is no such thing. We became
enamoured of the life and had no desire to hasten on our journey. Some
of the happiest days of our lives were spent during this trip, free from
society, anxiety, and propriety. There was no one to dress for, nor to
come suddenly upon us and disturb our calm existence. When three girls
make up their minds to be contented under all difficulties, difficulties
disappear. They can make their surroundings pretty and can make the
rough fare attractive. If they have been blessed with a good mother,
who has trained them for domestic life, they know how to contrive little
accessories which will give a relish to the plainest fare.
Little trouble was experienced with our servants. They were always
laughing and looking at our mode of life with the interest of a big dog;
they were ludicrously stupid, but they were never sulky or impudent.
Our wagon owner and servants slept on the ground wrapped in blankets or
"karosses," infinitely preferring that to sleeping on a cartel under the
wagon. When we suggested snakes, they only laughed. These fur robes or
"karosses" are light, and when thrown on the ground prevent the ants
from reaching those asleep on them. They are brought from the interior,
beyond the Zambesi River, by the traders. They are beautifully sewed
together by the natives, with thread made from the sinews of wild
animals. These furs are beautiful, being the skins of leopard, silver
fox, jackal, and wolf, and many other animals. They are very
comfortable for travelling on cool nights.
This peaceful region is filled with reptiles and wild animals, but we
saw very few of them.
Our boys would often hold wayside receptions for natives in twos and
threes, coming from goodness knows where, and others, appearing from the
shadows beyond, would surround them, talking rapidly in vowels and
strange sounds, and looking on hungrily at the meals being prepared.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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