civilization, as certain races
of animals do before others, it is a pity. God grant that ere this time
comes they may receive that Gospel which is a solace for the soul in
death!

While at Sesheke, Sekeletu supplied me with twelve oxen--three of which
were accustomed to being ridden upon--hoes, and beads to purchase a
canoe when we should strike the Leeambye beyond the falls. He likewise
presented abundance of good fresh butter and honey, and did every thing
in his power to make me comfortable for the journey. I was entirely
dependent on his generosity, for the goods I originally brought from the
Cape were all expended by the time I set off from Linyanti to the west
coast. I there drew 70 Pounds of my salary, paid my men with it, and
purchased goods for the return journey to Linyanti. These being now all
expended, the Makololo again fitted me out, and sent me on to the east
coast. I was thus dependent on their bounty, and that of other Africans,
for the means of going from Linyanti to Loanda, and again from Linyanti
to the east coast, and I feel deeply grateful to them. Coin would have
been of no benefit, for gold and silver are quite unknown. We were here
joined by Moriantsane, uncle of Sekeletu and head man of Sesheke,
and, entering canoes on the 13th, some sailed down the river to the
confluence of the Chobe, while others drove the cattle along the banks,
spending one night at Mparia, the island at the confluence of the Chobe,
which is composed of trap, having crystals of quartz in it coated with a
pellicle of green copper ore. Attempting to proceed down the river next
day, we were detained some hours by a strong east wind raising waves so
large as to threaten to swamp the canoes. The river here is very large
and deep, and contains two considerable islands, which from either bank
seem to be joined to the opposite shore. While waiting for the wind to
moderate, my friends related the traditions of these islands, and,
as usual, praised the wisdom of Sebituane in balking the Batoka,
who formerly enticed wandering tribes to them, and starved them, by
compelling the chiefs to remain by his side till all his cattle and
people were ferried over. The Barotse believe that at certain parts of
the river a tremendous monster lies hid, and that it will catch a canoe,
and hold it fast and motionless, in spite of the utmost exertions of the
paddlers. While near Nameta they even objected to pass a spot supposed
to be haunted, and pr