Chapter I: Preface

The following Narrative of Explorations and Discoveries during four years in the wilds of the southwestern parts of Africa contains the account of two expeditions in that continent between the years 1850 and 1854. In the first of these journeys, the countries of the Damaras (previously all but unknown in Europe) and of the Ovambo (till now a _terra incognita_) were explored; in the second, the newly-discovered Lake Ngami was reached by a route that had always been deemed impracticable. It is more than probable that this route (the shortest and best) will be adopted as the one by which commerce and civilization may eventually find their way to the Lake regions.

The first journey was performed in company with Mr. Francis Galton, to whom we are indebted for a work on “Tropical South Africa;” on the second the Author was alone, and altogether dependent on his own very scanty resources.

It was suggested to the Author, as regards the first journey, that, from the ground having been preoccupied, it would be best for him to commence where his friend left off. There was some reason for this; but, on mature consideration, he deemed it desirable to start from the beginning, otherwise he could not have given a connected and detailed account of the regions he visited. Moreover, from the Author having remained two years longer in Africa than Mr. Galton, he has not only been enabled to ascertain the truth respecting much that at first appeared obscure and doubtful, but has had many opportunities of enlarging the stock of information acquired by himself and friend when together. Besides, they were often separated for long periods, during which many incidents and adventures occurred to the Author that are scarcely alluded to in “Tropical South Africa.” And, lastly, the impressions received by different individuals, even under similar circumstances, are generally found to vary greatly, which, in itself, would be a sufficient reason for the course the Author has decided on pursuing.

As will be seen, the present writer has not only described the general appearance of the regions he visited, but has given the best information he was able to collect of the geological features of the country, and of its probable mineral wealth; and, slight though it may be, he had the gratification of finding that the hints he threw out at the Cape and elsewhere were acted upon, that mining companies were formed, and that mining operations are now carried on to some extent in regions heretofore considered as utterly worthless.

The Author has also spoken at some length of the religion, and manners, and customs of such of the native tribes (previously all but unknown to Europeans) visited by him during his several journeys. He also noted many of their superstitions, for too much attention, as has been truly observed, can not be paid to the mythological traditions of savages. Considerable discretion is, of course, needful in this matter, as, if every portion were to be literally received, we might be led into grievous errors; still, by attending to what many might call absurd superstitions, we not only attain to a knowledge of the mental tendencies of the natives, but are made acquainted with interesting facts touching the geographical distribution of men and inferior animals.

Since the different members constituting the brute creation are so intimately connected with the economy of man, and since many of the beasts and birds indigenous to those parts of Africa visited by the Author are still but imperfectly known, he has thought it advisable to enter largely into their habits, &c., the rather as natural history has from childhood been his favorite pursuit, and is a subject on which he therefore feels conversant; and though part of what he has stated regarding the rhinoceros, the hippopotamus, the koodoo, the ostrich, and others of the almost incalculable varieties of animals found in the African wilderness may be known to some inquirers, it is still hoped that the general reader will find matter he has not previously met with.

The larger portion of the beautiful plates to be found in this work (faithfully depicting the scenes described) are by Mr. Wolf—“the Landseer of animals and vegetation,” to quote the words of the Earl of Ellesmere in a note which his lordship did me the honor to write to me.

The Author has endeavored in the following pages faithfully, and in plain and unassuming language, to record his experiences, impressions, feelings, and impulses, under circumstances often peculiarly trying. He lays claim to no more credit than may attach to an earnest desire to make himself useful and to further the cause of science.

It is more than probable that his career as an explorer and pioneer to civilization and commerce is terminated; still he would fain hope that his humble exertions may not be without their fruits.

When he first arrived in Africa, he generally traveled on foot throughout the whole of the day, regardless of heat, and almost scorning the idea of riding on horseback, or using any other mode of conveyance; indeed, he was wont to vie with the natives in endurance; but now, owing to the severe hardships he has undergone, his constitution is undermined, and the foundation of a malady has been laid that it is feared he will carry with him to the day of his death; yet such is the perverseness of human nature that, did circumstances permit, he would return to this life of trial and privation.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Departure from Sweden.—Day-dreams.—Fraternal Love.—A tempting
Offer.—Preparations for Journey to Africa.—Departure from
England.—Arrival at the Cape.—Town and Inhabitants.—Table
Mountain.—Curious Legend.—Preparation for Journey into the
Interior.—Departure for Walfisch Bay Page 19

CHAPTER II.

Arrival at Walfisch Bay.—Scenery.—Harbor described.—Want of
Water.—Capabilities for Trade.—Fish.—Wild-fowl.—Mirage.—Sand
Fountain.—The Bush-tick.—The Naras.—Quadrupeds scarce.—Meeting
the Hottentots.—Their filthy Habits.—The Alarum.—The
Turn-out.—Death of a Lion.—Arrival at Scheppmansdorf.—The
Place described.—Mr. Bam.—Missionary Life.—Ingratitude of
Natives.—Missionary Wagons 29

CHAPTER III.

Preparations for Journey.—Breaking-in Oxen.—Departure from
Scheppmansdorf.—An infuriated Ox.—The Naarip Plain.—The
scarlet Flower.—The Usab Gorge.—The Swakop River.—Tracks of
Rhinoceros seen.—Anecdote of that Animal.—A Sunrise in the
Tropics.—Sufferings from Heat and Thirst.—Arrival at Daviep:
great resort of Lions.—A Horse and Mule killed by them.—The
Author goes in pursuit.—A troop of Lions.—Unsuccessful
Chase.—Mules’ flesh palatable 44

CHAPTER IV.

The Gnoo and the Gemsbok.—Pursuit of a Rhinoceros.—Venomous
Fly.—Fruit of the Acacia nutritious.—Sun-stroke.—Crested
Parrot.—A Giraffe shot.—Tjobis Fountain.—Singular
Omelet.—Nutritious Gum.—Arrival at Richterfeldt.—Mr. Rath and
the Missions.—The Damaras: their Persons, Habits, &c.—Lions
Troublesome.—Panic.—Horse Sickness 56

CHAPTER V.

Hans Larsen.—His Exploits.—He joins the Expedition.—How
people travel on Ox-back.—Rhinoceros Hunt.—Death of the
Beast.—“Look before you Leap.”—Anecdote proving the
Truth of the Proverb.—Hans and the Lion.—The Doctor in
Difficulties.—Sufferings on the Naarip Plain.—Arrival at
Scheppmansdorf 68

CHAPTER VI.

Return to Scheppmansdorf.—Training Oxen for the
Yoke.—Sporting.—The Flamingo.—The Butcher-bird: curious
Superstition regarding it.—Preparing for Journey.—Servants
described 76

CHAPTER VII.

Departure from Scheppmansdorf.—Cattle refractory at
starting.—Tincas.—Always travel by Night.—Rhinoceros Hunt.—The
Author in danger of a second Sun-stroke.—Reach Onanis.—A
Tribe of Hill-Damaras settled there.—Singular Manner in
which these People smoke.—Effects of the Weed.—The Euphorbia
Candelabrum.—Remarkable Properties of this vegetable
Poison.—Guinea-fowl: the best Manner of shooting them.—Meet
a troop of Giraffes.—Tjobis Fountain again.—Attacked by
Lions.—Providential Escape.—Arrival at Richterfeldt 83

CHAPTER VIII.

A hearty Welcome.—We remove the Encampment.—An
Apparition.—Audacity of wild Beasts.—Depriving Lions of their
Prey.—Excessive Heat.—Singular effects of great Heat.—Depart
for Barmen.—Meet a troop of Zebras.—Their flesh not equal
to Venison.—The Missionary’s Wall.—A sad Catastrophe.—The
“Kameel-Doorn.”—Buxton Fountain.—The Scorpion.—Arrival at
Barmen 95

CHAPTER IX.

Barmen.—Thunder-storm in the Tropics.—A Man killed by
Lightning.—Warm Spring.—Mr. Hahn: his Missionary Labor; Seed
sown in exceeding stony Ground.—The Lake Omanbondè.—Mr.
Galton’s Mission of Peace.—The Author meets a Lion by the way;
the Beast bolts.—Singular Chase of a Gnoo.—“Killing two Birds
with one Stone.”—A Lion Hunt.—The Author escapes Death by a
Miracle.—Consequences of shooting on a Sunday 106

CHAPTER X.

A Christmas in the Desert.—Mr. Galton’s Return from the Erongo
Mountain.—He passes numerous Villages.—Great Drought; the
Natives have a Choice of two Evils.—The Hill-Damaras.—The
Damaras a Pastoral People.—The whole country Public
Property.—Enormous herds of Cattle.—They are as destructive as
Locusts to the Vegetation.—Departure from Richterfeldt.—The
Author kills an Oryx.—The Oxen refractory.—Danger of traversing
dry Water-courses on the approach of the Rainy Season.—Message
from the Robber-chief Jonker.—Emeute among the Servants.—Depart
for Schmelen’s Hope 119

CHAPTER XI.

Schmelen’s Hope.—Scenery.—Missionary Station.—Raid of the
Namaquas.—Ingratitude of the Natives.—Jonker’s Feud with
Kahichenè; his Barbarities; his Treachery.—Mr. Galton departs
for Eikams.—Author’s successful sporting Excursions.—He
captures a young Steinbok and a Koodoo.—They are easily
domesticated.—Hyænas very troublesome; several destroyed by
Spring-guns.—The latter described.—Visit from a Leopard; it
wounds a Dog; Chase and Death of the Leopard.—The Caracal 126

CHAPTER XII.

Wild-fowl abundant.—The Great Bustard.—The Termites.—Wild
Bees.—Mushrooms.—The Chief Zwartbooi.—Return of Mr. Galton.—He
makes a Treaty with Jonker.—He visits Rehoboth.—Misdoings
of John Waggoner and Gabriel.—Change of Servants.—Swarm of
Caterpillars.—A reconnoitring Expedition.—Thunder-storm.—The
Omatako Mountains.—Zebra-flesh a God-send.—Tropical
Phenomenon.—The Damaras not remarkable for Veracity.—Encamp
in an Ant-hill.—Return to Schmelen’s Hope.—Preparations for
visiting Omanbondè 135

CHAPTER XIII.

Depart from Schmelen’s Hope.—Meeting with Kahichenè.—Oxen
Stolen.—Summary Justice.—Superstition.—Meeting an old
Friend.—Singular Custom.—Gluttony of the Damaras.—How they
eat Flesh by the Yard and not by the Pound.—Superstitious
Custom.—A nondescript Animal.—The Author loses his Way.—Ravages
of the Termites.—“Wait a bit, if you please.”—Magnificent
Fountain.—Remains of Damara Villages.—Horrors of War.—Meet
Bushmen.—Meet Damaras.—Difficulties encountered by African
Travelers.—Reach the Lake Omanbondè.—Cruel Disappointment 146

CHAPTER XIV.

Omanbondè visited by Hippopotami.—Vegetation, &c.,
described.—Game somewhat scarce.—Combat between Elephant
and Rhinoceros.—Advance or Retreat.—Favorable reports of
the Ovambo-land.—Resolve to proceed there.—Reconnoitre
the Country.—Depart from Omanbondè.—Author shoots a
Giraffe.—Splendid Mirage.—The Fan-palm.—The Guide
absconds.—Commotion among the Natives.—Arrive at
Okamabuti.—Unsuccessful Elephant-hunt.—Vegetation.—Accident
to Wagon.—Obliged to proceed on Ox-back.—The Party go
astray.—Baboon Fountain.—Meeting with the Ovambo; their
personal Appearance, &c.—Return to Encampment.—An Elephant
killed.—Discover a curious Plant.—Immorality.—Reflections 162

CHAPTER XV.

Depart from Okamabuti.—Visit from a Lion.—Amulets.—Revisit
Baboon Fountain.—Otjikoto; a wonderful Freak of Nature;
Remarkable Cavern.—Natives unacquainted with the Art
of Swimming.—Fish abundant in Otjikoto; frequented by
immense Flocks of Doves.—Panic of the Ovambo on seeing
Birds shot on the Wing.—Arrive at Omutjamatunda.—A greasy
Welcome.—Ducks and Grouse numerous.—Author finds himself
somewhat “overdone.”—“Salt-pans.”—All “look Blue.”—A second
Paradise.—Hospitable Reception.—Vegetation.—People live in
Patriarchal Style.—Population.—Enormous Hogs.—Arrive at the
Residence of the redoubtable Nangoro 178

CHAPTER XVI.

Visit from Nangoro.—His extreme Obesity.—One must be fat to
wear a Crown.—His non-appreciation of Eloquence.—Singular
Effects of Fireworks on the Natives.—Cure for making
a wry Face.—Ball at the Palace.—The Ladies very
attractive and very loving.—Their Dress, Ornaments,
&c.—Honesty of the Ovambo.—Kindness to the Poor.—Love of
Country.—Hospitality.—Delicate manner of Eating.—Loose
Morals.—Law of Succession.—Religion.—Houses.—Domestic
Animals.—Implements of Husbandry.—Manner of Tilling the
Ground.—Articles of Barter.—Metallurgy 190

CHAPTER XVII.

The River Cunenè.—The Travelers are Prisoners at large.—Kingly
Revenge.—Kingly Liberality.—Depart from Ondonga.—Sufferings and
Consequences resulting from Cold.—Return to Okamabuti.—Damara
Women murdered by Bushmen.—Preparations for Journey.—Obtain
Guides.—Depart from Tjopopa’s Werft.—Game abundant.—Author
and three Lions stalk Antelopes in Company.—Extraordinary
Visitation.—The Rhinoceros’s Guardian Angel.—The Textor
Erythrorhynchus.—The Amadina Squamifrons; singular Construction
of its Nest.—Return to Barmen 201

CHAPTER XVIII.

The Damaras.—Whence they came.—Their Conquests.—The
Tide turns.—Damara-land only partially inhabited.—Climate.—
Seasons.—Mythology.—Religion.—Superstitions.—Marriage.—
Polygamy.—Children.—Circumcision.—Bury their Dead.—Way they
mourn.—Children interred alive.—Burial of the Chief, and
Superstitions consequent thereon.—Maladies.—Damaras do not live
long; the Cause thereof.—Food.—Music and Dancing.—How they
swear.—Power of the Chieftain limited.—Slothful
People.—Numerals.—Astronomy.—Domestic Animals; their Diseases
214

CHAPTER XIX.

Dispatch a Messenger to Cape-Town.—Depart from
Barmen.—Eikhams.—Eyebrecht.—Depart from Eikhams.—Elephant
Fountain.—Tunobis.—Enormous quantities of Game.—Shooting
by Night at the “Skarm.”—The Author has several narrow
Escapes.—Checked in attempt to reach the Ngami.—The Party
set out on their Return.—Reach Elephant Fountain.—How to
make Soap.—Pitfalls.—A night Adventure.—Game scarce.—Join
Hans.—The Party nearly poisoned.—Arrival at Walfisch
Bay.—A tub Adventure.—Extraordinary Mortality among the
Fish.—Author narrowly escapes Drowning.—Arrival of the
Missionary Vessel.—Letters from Home.—Mr. Galton returns to
Europe.—Reflections 229

CHAPTER XX.

Capture of young Ostriches.—Natural History of the Ostrich;
where found; Description of; Size; Weight; Age; Voice;
Strength; Speed; Food; Water; Breeding; Incubation; Cunning;
Stones found in Eggs; Chicks; Flesh.—Brain in request among the
Romans.—Eggs highly prized.—Uses of Egg-shells.—Feathers an
article of Commerce.—Ostrich Parasols.—The Bird’s destructive
Propensities.—Habits.—Resembles Quadrupeds.—Domestication.—The
Chase.—Snares.—Ingenious Device.—Enemies of the Ostrich 247

CHAPTER XXI.

Sudden Floods.—John Allen’s Sufferings.—Hans and the
Author enter into Partnership.—Young Grass injurious
to Cattle.—Depart from Walfisch Bay.—Attractive
Scenery.—Troops of Lions.—Extraordinary Proceedings of
Kites.—Flight of Butterflies.—Attachment of Animals to one
another.—Arrival at Richterfeldt; at Barmen.—Hans’s narrow
Escape.—Self-possession.—Heavy Rains.—Runaway Ox; he tosses
the Author.—Depart from Barmen.—Difficulty of crossing
Rivers.—Encounter great numbers of Oryxes 264

CHAPTER XXII.

The Oryx; more than one Species.—Where found.—Probably
known in Europe previous to the discovery of the
Passage round the Cape of Good Hope.—Description of the
Oryx.—Gregarious.—Speed.—Food.—Water not necessary to its
existence.—Will face the Lion.—Formidable Horns.—Their
Use.—Flesh.—The Chase of this Animal 272

CHAPTER XXIII.

Arrival at Eikhams.—Native Dogs; cruelly treated.—Jonker
Afrikaner.—The Author visits the Red Nation; the bad Repute
of these People.—The Author attacked by Ophthalmia.—The
embryo Locust.—The “flying” Locust; its Devastations.—The
Locust-bird.—Arrival at Rehoboth; the Place described 277

CHAPTER XXIV.

Return to Eikhams.—Ugly Fall.—Splendid Landscape.—Jonker’s
Delinquencies.—How to manage the Natives.—The Ondara.—It
kills a Man.—How his Comrade revenges him.—Medical Properties
of the Ondara.—The Cockatrice.—The Cobra di Capella.—The
Puff-adder.—The Spitting Snake.—The Black Snake.—Few Deaths
caused by Snakes.—Antidotes for Snake-bites.—Return to Rehoboth
287

CHAPTER XXV.

The Author’s Tent takes Fire.—He loses every thing but his
Papers.—He is laid on a bed of Sickness.—Want of Medicine,
&c.—Reflections.—Whole Villages infected with Fever.—Abundance
of Game.—Extraordinary Shot at an Ostrich.—A Lion breakfasts
on his Wife.—Wonderful shooting Star.—Remarkable Mirage.—Game
and Lions plentiful.—The Ebony-tree.—Arrival at Bethany, a
Missionary Station.—The Trouble of a large Herd of Cattle.—A
thirsty Man’s Cogitation.—Curious Superstition.—The Damara
Cattle described.—People who live entirely without Water.—Cross
the Orange River.—Sterile Country 299

CHAPTER XXVI.

Great Namaqua-land.—Its Boundaries and Extent.—Its
Rivers.—Nature of the Country.—Vegetation and
Climate.—Geological Structure.—Minerals.—“Topnaars” and
“Oerlams.”—Houses.—Mythology and Religion.—Tumuli.—Wonderful
Rock.—Curious Legend of the Hare.—Coming of Age.—The
Witch-doctor.—Amulets.—Superstitions.—A Namaqua’s notion
of the Sun.—Marriage.—Polygamy.—Children.—Barbarous
Practice.—Longevity.—Singular
Customs.—Ornaments.—Tattooing.—Arms.—Idle Habits.—Fond of
Amusements.—Music and Dancing.—Spirits.—Mead.—Domestic Animals
311

CHAPTER XXVII.

Leave the Orange River.—Arrival at Komaggas.—Gardening and
Agriculture.—The Author starts alone for the Cape.—Colony
Horses.—Enmity of the Boers to “Britishers.”—Dutch
Salutation.—The Author must have been at Timbuctoo, whether or
no.—He arrives at Cape-Town.—Cuts a sorry figure.—Is run away
with.—A Feast of Oranges.—Ghost Stories.—Cattle Auction.—Hans
and John Allen proceed to Australia.—Preparations for Journey
to the Ngami.—Departure from the Cape 325

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Arrival at Walfisch Bay.—Atrocities of the Namaquas.—Mr.
Hahn.—His Philanthropy.—Author departs for Richterfeldt.—Shoots
a Lion.—Lions unusually numerous.—Piet’s Performances with
Lions.—The Lion a Church-goer.—Barmen.—Eikhams.—Kamapyu’s
mad Doings and Consequences thereof.—Kamapyu is wounded by
other Shafts than Cupid’s.—Author visits Cornelius; here he
meets Amral and a party of Griqua Elephant-hunters.—Reach
Rehoboth.—Tan’s Mountain.—Copper Ore.—Jonathan Afrika.—A Lion
sups on a Goat.—A Lion besieges the Cattle 339

CHAPTER XXIX.

Dispatch Cattle to the Cape.—Terrible Thunder-storm.—Trees
struck by Lightning.—The Nosop River.—A Comet.—The Author
nearly poisoned.—Some of the Men abscond; they return
to their Duty.—Babel-like confusion of Tongues.—Game
abundant.—Author shoots a Giraffe.—Meet Bushmen.—Unsuccessful
Elephant-hunt.—Sufferings from Hunger.—Tunobis.—Game
scarce.—Author and Steed entrapped.—Pitfalls.—The Men turn
sulky.—Preparations for departure from Tunobis.—Vicious
Pack-oxen.—Consequences of excessive Fatigue.—The Jackal’s
handiwork.—Tracks of Elephants.—More Pitfalls.—Loss of the
Anglo-Saxon Lion and the Swedish Cross.—Reach Ghanzé 351

CHAPTER XXX.

Ghanzé.—Spotted Hyæna.—The Rhinoceros.—Where found.—Several
Species.—Description of Rhinoceros.—Size.—Appearance.—Age.—
Strength.—Speed.—Food.—Water.—The Young.—Affection.—Senses.—
Disposition.—Gregarious.—Indolence.—Domestication.—Flesh.—
Horns.—The Chase.—Mr. Oswell’s Adventures with Rhinoceroses.—A
Crotchet.—Where to aim at the Rhinoceros.—Does not bleed
externally when wounded.—Great numbers slain annually 368

CHAPTER XXXI.

Departure from Ghanzé.—Nectar in the Desert.—Difficulty in
finding Water.—Arrive at Abeghan.—Unsuccessful Chase.—A
“Charm.”—How to make the undrinkable drinkable.—An Elephant
wounded and killed.—Bold and courageous Dog.—Kobis.—Author
seized with a singular Malady.—Messengers dispatched to the
Chief of the Lake Ngami.—A large troop of Elephants.—Author
kills a huge Male.—Lions and Giraffe.—Author’s hair-breadth
Escapes: from a black Rhinoceros; from a white Rhinoceros;
from two troops of Elephants; he shoots a couple of his
Adversaries.—Where to aim at an Elephant 386

CHAPTER XXXII.

Timbo’s Return from the Lake; his Logic; he takes the Law
in his own Hands.—Calf of Author’s Leg goes astray.—A
troop of Elephants.—Author is charged by one of them, and
narrowly escapes Death.—He shoots a white Rhinoceros.—He
disables a black Rhinoceros.—He is charged and desperately
bruised and wounded by the latter.—He saves the Life of his
Attendant, Kamapyu.—Author again charged by the Rhinoceros,
and escapes Destruction only by the opportune Death of his
Antagonist.—Reflections.—He starts for the Ngami 402

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Start from Kobis.—Meet Bechuanas.—False Report.—Wonderful
Race of Men.—The Baobob-tree.—The Ngami.—First Impressions of
the Lake.—Reflections.—Experience some Disappointment.—Reach
the Zouga River and encamp near it.—Interview with Chief
Lecholètébè.—Information refused.—Immoderate Laughter.—Presents
to the Chief.—His Covetousness.—His Cruelty.—Formidable
Difficulties.—Author permitted to proceed northward 413

CHAPTER XXXIV.

The Ngami.—When discovered.—Its various Names.—Its Size and
Form.—Great Changes in its Waters.—Singular Phenomenon.—The
Teoge River.—The Zouga River.—The Mukuru-Mukovanja
River.—Animals.—Birds.—Crocodiles.—Serpents.—Fish 423

CHAPTER XXXV.

The Batoana.—Government.—Eloquence.—Language.—Mythology.—
Religion.—Superstition.—The Rain-maker.—Polygamy.—
Circumcision.—Burial.—Disposition of the Bechuanas.—Thievish
Propensities.—Dress.—Great Snuff-takers.—Smoking.—Occupations.—
Agriculture.—Commerce.—Hunting and Fishing 436

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Departure for Libèbé.—The Canoe.—The Lake.—Reach the
Teoge.—Adventure with a Leché.—Luxurious Vegetation.—Exuberance
of animal Life.—Buffaloes.—The Koodoo.—His
Haunts.—Pace.—Food.—Flesh.—Hide.—Disposition.—Gregarious
Habits.—The Chase 456

CHAPTER XXXVII.

Tsetse Fly.—Confined to particular Spots.—Its Size.—Its
Destructiveness.—Fatal to Domestic Animals.—Symptoms in the Ox
when bitten by the Tsetse 468

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

The Crocodile.—An Englishman killed by one of these
Monsters.—The Omoroanga Vavarra River.—Hardships.—Beautiful
Scenery.—Lecholètébè’s Treachery.—The Reed-ferry 471

CHAPTER XXXIX.

The Bayeye.—Their Country; Persons; Language;
Disposition; Lying and Pilfering Habits.—Polygamy
practiced among the Bayeye.—Their Houses; Dress;
Ornaments; Weapons; Liquors; Agriculture; Grain; Fruits;
Granaries.—Hunting.—Fishing.—Nets.—Diseases.—The
Matsanyana.—The Bavicko.—Libèbé 476

CHAPTER XL.

Departure from the Bayeye Werft.—The Reed-raft.—The
Hippopotamus.—Behemoth or Hippopotamus.—Where found.—Two
Species.—Description of Hippopotamus.—Appearance.—Size.—Swims
like a Duck.—Food.—Destructive Propensities of the
Animal.—Disposition.—Sagacity.—Memory.—Gregarious
Habits.—Nocturnal
Habits.—Domestication.—Food.—Flesh.—Hide.—Ivory.—Medicinal
Virtues 485

CHAPTER XLI.

The Bayeye harpoon the Hippopotamus.—The Harpoon described.—How
the Chase of the Hippopotamus is conducted by the Bayeye.—How
it was conducted by the ancient Egyptians.—The Spear used by
them.—Ferocity of the Hippopotamus.—Killed by Guns.—Frightful
Accident.—The Downfall 495