The native inhabitants whieli are settled on the hanks of
the Orange river, where our travellers crossed it, (namely in
latitude 29° N. and longitude between 23° and 24° E.) are a variety
of the Hqttentot race, whose particular horde, in their own
language, is called the Koras. In estimating their comparative
condition with the different tribes of this nation, they may
fairly be reckoned to rank much higher than any of the others
that are known on the southern extremity of Africa. The
wide desert Karroo between them and the colony has hitherto
protected them in a considerable degree, though not altcy
wether, from the oppression of the Dutch boors, under whose
lash their brethren less remote from' the colony have so
severely suffered. Their abode being stationary on the
banks of the Orange river, their huts were constructed
with greater care, and with a view of being more durable;
in their persons they were more cleanly, and in their dress
and domestic utensils neater, than the Hottentots usually are.
This superiority may probably be owing, in a certain degree,
to the advantages of local situation. A running stream in
South Africa is a great rarity. To the want of water may
probably be attributed the origin“of the custom of greasing
the skin, which this grand river renders unnecessary. The
Koras accordingly exhibit none of that filthy and squalid appearance
which characterizes the Hottentots on the skirts of
the colony. Their features are also of a superior cast. What
the Gonaquas were on the eastern coast the Koras seem to
be to the northward, a mixed breed between the Hottentot
and the Kaffer. The annexed figure of a Kora woman,
drawn from nature, may serve to convey a better idea than
can be given by verbal description.