en by striking them with their tails, and
then squat on them till they are drowned. We once caught a young
crocodile, which certainly did use its tail to inflict sharp blows, and
led us to conclude that the native opinion is correct. They believed
also that, if a person shuts the beast's eyes, it lets go its hold.
Crocodiles have been known to unite and kill a large one of their own
species and eat it. Some fishermen throw the bones of the fish into the
river but in most of the fishing villages there are heaps of them in
various places. The villagers can walk over them without getting them
into their feet; but the Makololo, from having softer soles, are unable
to do so. The explanation offered was, that the fishermen have a
medicine against fish-bones, but that they will not reveal it to the
Makololo.

We spent a night on Mparira island, which is four miles long and about
one mile broad. Mokompa, the headman, was away hunting elephants. His
wife sent for him on our arrival, and he returned next morning before we
left. Taking advantage of the long-continued drought, he had set fire to
the reeds between the Chobe and Zambesi, in such a manner as to drive the
game out at one corner, where his men laid in wait with their spears. He
had killed five elephants and three buffaloes, wounding several others
which escaped.

On our land party coming up, we were told that the oxen were bitten by
the tsetse: they could see a great difference in their looks. One was
already eaten, and they now wished to slaughter another. A third fell
into a buffalo-pit next day, so our stock was soon reduced.

The Batoka chief, Moshobotwane, again treated us with his usual
hospitality, giving us an ox, some meal, and milk. We took another view
of the grand Mosi-oa-tunya, and planted a quantity of seeds in the garden
on the island; but, as no one will renew the hedge, the hippopotami will,
doubtless, soon destroy what we planted. Mashotlane assisted us. So
much power was allowed to this under-chief, that he appeared as if he had
cast off the authority of Sekeletu altogether. He did not show much
courtesy to his messengers; instead of giving them food, as is customary,
he took the meat out of a pot in their presence, and handed it to his own
followers. This may have been because Sekeletu's men bore an order to
him to remove to Linyanti. He had not only insulted Baldwin, but had
also driven away the Griqua traders; but this may all en