half i but which I afterwards found to be the highest and principal
branch of the Moshxwa (Môshôwa), and the river which flows by the
original town of Litâkun now desérted and in ruins. Its banks were
steep ; and it was not till after some delay in searching for a practicable
road for the waggons, that they could be dragged safely to
the opposite bank. The bed of this river, or more properly, rivulet,
was but a few yards wide, and of this the water occupied but a small
part ; yet, as it flows constantly during the whole year, it is regarded
by the natives as a considerable stream, though much inferior to the
Kriiman.
As we approached the hills which partly enclose the valley in
which Litâkun stands, the ground became more uneven and rocky.
A number of oxen, attended by several herdsmen, and a few straggling
inhabitants, showed us that we were not far from the town ;
while some large mokaala trees, and every bush around, indicated, by
the unsparing manner in which they had been lopped and cut for
fuel, that we were in the immédiate neighbourhood of a populous
place. Many narrow foot-paths leading forward in one general
direction, pointed out our way, and began to awaken my attention
to the unexpected magnitude of the town ; for as yet I had not
been able to gain any distinct notion of its size : every person of
whom I had asked questions on this head, denominating it a very
large kraal, but being unable to give me any other more defined
idea : so that my expectations as to its extent were very much below
what I actually found it to be.
A t length, the most gratifying sight which my journey had yet afforded,
presented itself ; and part of the Town of Litâkun now appeared,
before me. As we advanced nearer, and gained higher ground,
the multitude of houses which continued rising into view as far
as I could see, excited astonishment; while their novel form and
character seized my whole attention, as my eager eyes surveyed and
examined their outline though yet at a distance. They occupied,
in detached groups, a portion of the plain, not less than a mile and
a half in diameter. The situation of the town appeared open,
though surrounded by hills. The spaces which intervened between
the houses, were sparingly covered with low bushes and a halftrampled
herbage. A few mokaalas were here and there to be seen
standing amidst the dwellings; but excepting these, no other tree
was visible in any quarter. The usual appearance of Bachapin
houses is exhibited in the annexed engraving.