ld De Beers. Next day we trekked thither, and pitched our camp on
the plain to the south-westward of the mine. This plain was studded
with very large "camel thorn" trees. Before the axe had wrought
universal havoc, the landscape surrounding the dry diggings was well
wooded and highly picturesque. At the spot we selected for our
encampment two especially large trees stood; between these we pitched
our tents.

I felt quite at home. Camped in the vicinity were many old Kaffrarian
friends Barbers, McIntoshes, Cummings, and others. We started work
immediately on the eastern side of the mine. Claims were to be had for
the mere trouble of marking out and the payment of a license; probably
not more than two thirds of the surface of the mine had been "located."
We found a very few diamonds; all were small, and none were of any
particular value.

Fuel was plentiful; at night camp-fires twinkled far and near. Around
these happened some of the pleasantest gatherings I have ever attended.
The nights were usually clear and calm however the wind may have
swirled the gritty dust during the day and the stars shone as they only
shine when the dew-moist air of upland South Africa underlies them.
Every one capable of making music, whether by means of violin,
concertina, or voice, was much in demand. Coffee and rusks circulated
freely. Quite a number of diggers had brought their families from the
Colony; thus, many a pretty girl in print dress and "cappie" joined the
firelit circle. Most of us were young and free from care. Life was full
of romance, for Fortune scattered her favors with an occasionally
lavish hand. Every few days one would hear of some lucky digger finding
a "stone" worth perhaps several hundred pounds. And in those days money
was money in South Africa; that is to say, its purchasing power was
probably three times as great as it is now.

Our most serious difficulty was in the matter of the water-supply. No
wells had as yet been dug, and no drinking water was obtainable nearer
than Wessel's Farm, seven miles away. It was part of my duty to repair
thither once a week with a Scotch cart and fetch two hogsheads full. So
far as I can remember, this quantity cost six shillings at the well.
Sometimes people were in great straits for something to drink. However,
all were helpful towards one another. I have often known some stranger
or another come to the camp with a small tin pannikin and beg for
permission to fill it at one of