robable that in
this respect, as well as in physical development, we are superior to our
ancestors. The coats of mail and greaves of the Knights of Malta, and
the armor from the Tower exhibited at the Eglinton tournament, may be
considered decisive as to the greater size attained by modern civilized
men.

At Maila we spent a Sunday with Kaisa, the head man of a village of
Mashona, who had fled from the iron sway of Mosilikatse, whose country
lies east of this. I wished him to take charge of a packet of letters
for England, to be forwarded when, as is the custom of the Bamangwato,
the Bechuanas come hither in search of skins and food among the Bushmen;
but he could not be made to comprehend that there was no danger in the
consignment. He feared the responsibility and guilt if any thing should
happen to them; so I had to bid adieu to all hope of letting my family
hear of my welfare till I should reach the west coast.

At Unku we came into a tract of country which had been visited by
refreshing showers long before, and every spot was covered with grass
run up to seed, and the flowers of the forest were in full bloom.
Instead of the dreary prospect around Koobe and Nchokotsa, we had here a
delightful scene, all the ponds full of water, and the birds twittering
joyfully. As the game can now obtain water every where, they become very
shy, and can not be found in their accustomed haunts.

1ST MARCH. The thermometer in the shade generally stood at 98 Degrees
from 1 to 3 P.M., but it sank as low as 65 Deg. by night, so that the
heat was by no means exhausting. At the surface of the ground, in the
sun, the thermometer marked 125 Deg., and three inches below it 138 Deg.
The hand can not be held on the ground, and even the horny soles of the
feet of the natives must be protected by sandals of hide; yet the ants
were busy working on it. The water in the ponds was as high as 100 Deg.;
but as water does not conduct heat readily downward, deliciously cool
water may be obtained by any one walking into the middle and lifting up
the water from the bottom to the surface with his hands.

Proceeding to the north, from Kama-kama, we entered into dense Mohonono
bush, which required the constant application of the axe by three of our
party for two days. This bush has fine silvery leaves, and the bark has
a sweet taste. The elephant, with his usual delicacy of taste, feeds
much on it. On emerging into the plains beyond, we found a number of