packs: though in general a nocturnal animal, it frequently pursues
its prey by day; and as it is well formed hy nature for speed, none
but the fleeter animals can escape. Sheep and oxen therefore
are more particularly exposed to its attacks: the first openly, but
the latter only by stealth, as in the present instance, surprising
them in their sleep and suddenly biting off their tails; which the
large opening and great power of their jaws, enable them to do
with ease.
I have never heard that large cattle are assaulted by them in
any other way; but the loss of their tail is a cruel inconvenience
to cows and oxen, in a country where the warmth of the climate
subjects them to great annoyance from flies. The colonists are
aware of this inconvenience, and have the good sense to allow all
their horses to enjoy the use of this most serviceable appendage.
There cannot be a greater proof of bad taste and thoughtless cruelty,
than, in viewing so beautiful an animal as the horse, so far to pervert
all reason and sound judgment, as to consider that a mutilated
stump is more handsome than the fine flowing brush which Nature,
from whose works all our ideas of taste and beauty ought to be
derived, has wisely bestowed. And it is to be hoped that we may
yet live to see the time, when this error and folly will be utterly
exploded.
Before we started, I sent for Gert to the waggon ; and after
giving him some useful, but mild, admonitions relative to the faithful
discharge of his duty, in showing, by due respect at least, that he
had not forgotten all the former kindness of his master, I told him
that, wishing that the whole of my party should commence the journey
in mutual goodwill, it was my intention to overlook all which had
passed, and that I would request Mr. Anderson to use his persuasion
in making peace with the captain.
To this end, he was permitted to remain at Klaarwater till the
next day, as he could, on horseback, easily overtake u s; and the
same permission was given to Cornells and Van Roye, that they
might remain still a few hours longer with their friends. The latter
was well known to many of the ^Hottentots here, as he had a son
living under the protection of one of the families; and whom he
now owned, though ashamed and displeased at finding that he knew
much more of the Hottentot language, than of the Dutch.
At taking leave of their husbands, the two women shed tears,
as if about to part for ever: and I confess that had I not believed
in the probability, as well as possibility, of our advancing through to
the western coast, I would have allowed them to accompany us. I
promised that I would not take their husbands where there was
evident danger, and assured them that we should return safe; but I
cautioned them not to be uneasy if we remained absent longer than
we expected, as it was quite uncertain, and depended upon circumstances,
whether I should feel disposed to travel as expeditiously as
possible through these countries, or whether I should proceed only at
a slow rate. When I told them, they might rely on my taking as
much care of the men as of myself, and that they should not be
intentionally exposed to danger, Hannah in her usual manner, replied
with a word, but Truy expressed herself warmly thankful.
In taking leave of the missionaries, my thanks were due for many
little civilities: to Mr. Jansz I considered myself indebted for some
friendly acts, which I have already mentioned; nor am I less grateful
foi whatever attentions Mr. Anderson or Mr. Kramer thought proper
to show m e: nor do I remember without pleasure, my obligation
to Mrs. Anderson s kindness. ' Little was said at parting; and it
was not without some emotion, that I finally bade farewell to the
last Europeans with whom I could possibly converse, for a long
period.
As I passed by their huts, several Hottentots were waiting to
wish me a safe journey, and D ag! Mynheer Bairsey, was their last
salutation.
When the waggons had gained the top of the ridge beyond the
village, Gert earnestly requested me to allow a parting salute to be
fired, and assured me that he knew the inhabitants would not leave
this time unanswered. At first, I deemed it wiser to save my