migration of the springboks, which we witnessed yesterday, may be
more frequent, but are not more certain than those of the central
population of Africa. The Caffres themselves state that they formerly
came from the northward, and won their territory by conquest; and the
Hottentots have the same tradition as regards themselves.

"The invasion of the Mantatees, as they are called (and by the Eastern
Caffres Ficani), was nothing more than that of a people dispossessed of
their property, and driven from the territory by the Zoolus, under
Chaka; and, indeed, this last array under Quetoo, which has been
destroyed within this month, may be considered as invading from a
similar cause. Having separated from Chaka, Quetoo could find no
resting-place, and he therefore came to the southward with the intention
of wresting the territory from the Caffres, in which he has failed. Had
he not failed, and been cut off by the Caffres, he would have destroyed
them, and thus made room for his own people."

"Of course; for the end of all these invasions and migrations must be in
such a sacrifice of human life as to afford sustenance and the means of
subsistence to those who remain," observed the Major.

"Precisely; and such must continue to be the case on this continent,
until the arts and civilization have taught men how to increase the
means of subsistence. To produce this, Christianity must be introduced;
for Christianity and civilization go hand in hand."

"But the Mantatees or Ficani, who are they?"

"I have already said they were northern Caffre tribes, dispossessed of
their territory by Chaka. The names of the tribes we do not know.
Mantatee, in the Caffre language, signifies an invader, and Ficani also,
marauders; both terms applicable to the people, but certainly not the
names of the tribes.

"I believe, now, I have said enough on the subject to allow me to enter
upon the history of this last invasion; but, to tell the truth, the heat
is so overpowering, and I feel my tongue so parched, that you must
excuse me for deferring this account till another opportunity. As soon
as we are a little more at our ease, I will give you the history of the
Mantatees."

"We are much obliged to you for what you have told us, Swinton, and
will spare you for the present," replied Alexander. "What animals are
those?--look!"

"They are gnoos," replied Swinton. "There are two varieties of them, the
common gnoo and the brindled gnoo. They form an