little use,
as shortly after starting they fairly got out of their latitude, and
were obliged to resign the lead to the Brothers, who hit the river a
little before dark, nearly opposite the camp. They found it about
the same height as when first crossed, but it had been considerably
higher during their absence. It being too late to cross, the party
camped on their own side, and Messrs. Harricome and Monuwah swam over
to see the new strangers and get a supply of beef. They returned
with nearly a shoulder of a good sized steer, which entirely
disappeared before morning, the whole night being devoted to feeding.
The quantity of meat that a hungry native can consume is something
astounding, but in this case beat anything that any of the whole
party had ever seen. The natural result was a semi-torpor and a
perfectly visible distention.

'March' 7.--This morning the Brothers crossed over to the camp,
when they had the satisfaction of finding, on counting the cattle,
that a number were away, and when the horses were tried, two of them
were found missing, besides one that had died during their absence,
"Lady Scott." They were immediately sent for, and the remainder of
the party employed in preparing for the crossing, and killing a
beast. A fresh raft was made with the hide capable of carrying 400
lbs. weight. The two Somerset blacks evinced a great deal of
surprise at sight of the cattle, and expressed it by chirping and
making various curious noises with their tongues and mouths.
Accustomed chiefly to fish, herbs, and roots, the succulent beef had
charms which outweighed surprise, and another night was spent in
feasting on the "oddments" of the fresh killed beef.

'March' 8.--The missing cattle and horses were brought in with the
exception of three, which prevented the party crossing to-day,
although all was now in readiness. The river was still 200 yards
wide, and running strongly, so that it was expedient to cross the
whole together.

'March' 9.--The three missing cattle not having been found, the
crossing operations were commenced at mid-day. The width and
appearance of the river made it difficult to make the cattle face it,
but they were all safely crossed after a little time, with the
exception of one, which broke away, and could not be recovered. The
pack-horses were then put over, which was easily accomplished, and it
then only remained to cross the packs and baggage. The raft answered
admirably, and eve