tinent, probably from the Portuguese settlements, and is, at this time,
growing among their northern neighbours, from whom they had
obtained it by barter, long before it came to them from the side of
the: Cape of Good Hope. The leaves are prepared, they say, by
boiling, or rather, perhaps, by steeping in hot water. This process
renders the smoke less acrid, though less powerful: yet, by my own
men who obtained some at Litakun, it was pronounced pleasant;
but, in their judgment, its mildness was considered to be a defect,
and they, as well as- the Bachapins themselves, always gave the
preference to that which had been prepared in the Colony. From
some inquiries, made of natives who had seen the plant growing in
those countries, there seems reason for supposing that it is the
round-leaved species * which is there cultivated; that which is grown
in the Colony, being the long-leaved Virginian sort. ■
Our present visitors, as soon as they had enjoyed their handful,
for it could not be called a pinch, of snuff, began to beg for tobacco,
with much good-humoured importunity ; and held up their finger as
the length of the piece they wished for. But, on showing by the
half finger, how much was intended to be given them, they smiled, and
said Nid Hdrra (No, Sir,); yet, when J remarked to them that as we
travelled on, many more of their countrymen would make the same
request, and that it would be out of my power to distribute to all,
if I were to give away pieces so large as were asked for, they replied,
‘ Yes ; that is true;’ and then went away very well satisfied with
the little which I gave them. Besides this, they received some
meat; and, as soon as they had broiled it, ran off with great speed
to overtake their companions.
It was now perceived that Gert felt strongly disposed to encroach
on indulgence, and that, unfortunately, kindness only encouraged
disrespect. Although I had long followed a rule of giving my people
their rations of tobacco and brandy on Mondays, he now demanded
them before the time, and told me that the quantity which was
allowed to the people, was not half enough, and that the boors always
Nicotiana rustica. t Nicotiana Tabacim.
gave their Hottentots brandy whenever they asked for it. This
language was not to be endured with forbearance, as authority here,
could be supported by nothing but resolution and prudence. I was
therefore compelled to order him instantly, and in a peremptory
manner, away from my waggon : hoping thus to check a spirit which
otherwise might soon spread among my whole party.
It was about this time that I began to discover that in Juli I possessed
a valuable servant, and to perceive symptoms of fidelity which
gradually gained my confidence, notwithstanding the disappointment
which, in this respect, the conduct of some of the others had caused to
me. I had not yet reposed in him greater trust than in any of the rest;
but he often deserved it by a conscientious desire which he manifested
for doing his duty. His manners were steady, without being over
sedate: he often could be lively and cheerful; but never allowed his
temper to approach either extreme. He had not, it is true, that
degree of animation which had pleased me in Speelman; but he was
less irregular in his movements and opinions. In short, he was more
honest, and less inclined to deceive me or conceal the truth, than
any other of my Hottentots.
6th. A nightly 'watch had first been established at Kosi Fountain,
and from that time, it had been regularly continued. I had
myself kept the sentries to their duty during the first half of the
night, as my occupations in the waggon in writing and arranging the
notes and collections of the day, had always engaged me till after
that hour. But sometimes, in order, to keep them on the alert during
the latter half, I took my sleep earlier, and rose between midnight
and daybreak.
This gave me an opportunity of making a comparison between
the dawn of an African day, and the superior beauty of that hour
in Europe. This inferiority of the African Aurora, is occasioned,
perhaps, by the aridity of the climate and clearness of the atmosphere.
It is to the want of clouds and vapor to receive and refract
the first rays of the sun while still beneath the horizon, that we must
attribute the deficiency of those rosy and golden tints, and those
beams of light, which decorate the morning sky of European
t t 2