A LAND OF PLENTY.
through the eventful and exciting scenes of the day’s hunt,
chasing in nocturnal fancies the phantom forms of multitudes
of the forest’s denizens. •
Very early in the morning we were again upon the scene
of yesterday’s exploits, and all hands went to work cutting
up elephant flesh, and chopping out the tusks. The Kaffirs,
according to their custom, had a fire lit; and during
their intervals of rest they warmed (it could not be called
cooking) what they considered dainty morsels from the
inside, which they would devour much in the same condition
as they found them; for cleansing, or any other culinary
preparation, was unknown. As feeders, the Kaffirs are the
foulest people imaginable; it is not saying too much to
affirm that they will eat nearly anything, and pretty nearly
in any condition. After they had devoured their lonne
lowhe, they would disappear once more inside the carcase,
in order to cut out the fat, which is much valued as a
curative salve for rheumatism and other ailments. Special
morsels which they came across were taken out by alternate
members of the party, in order to be warmed at the fire and
demolished. Inside the carcase the happy rascals would
wallow in blood, bathing and rubbing themselves all over
with it, which seems to be a custom among the people. The
blood is left on, until it naturally wears off.
After we cut out the first pair of tusks, we inspanned
the oxen and departed; telling Karemba and Sagwam to
proceed to the carcase of the other elephant, and cut out
the ivory. On their return to camp, they reported that on
their arrival at the elephant, they found two large leopards,
<{ impisi,” feeding upon its flesh. I felt sorry I had not
accompanied the boys.
Now we were in a land of plenty. Game was abundant,
and honey seemed to be inexhaustible. Whenever the