Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-02-03
South Africa and the Kafirs.

AS all information in relation to the lnterio
of Africa is just now of peculiar interest to tn
general reader, we perceive with pleasure, tha
a new work has just been published in England
by Captain A. W. Drason, of the Royal Arrille
ry, entitled Sporting Scenes Amongst the KAT
frs of South Africa" The Captain penetrated
far into the wild, hot, and strange country o
this savage race, and although it is very differ
ent part of the continent from that about to be
again explored by tine enterprising and observ
ant Livingstone, yet as the manners and customs
described present many remarkable features, we
present few of the most curious. And first
as regards that mocker of man the ape. Here
is the gallant Captains sketch Of
BABooNs AT HOME.
watched them through my glass, and was
much amused at their grotesque and almost bu.
man movements. Some of the old ladies had
their olive-branches in their laps, and appeared
to be ''doing their hair" while patriarchal
looking old fellow paced backwards and for
wards with fussy sort of look ; he was evident.
ly on sentry, and seemed to think himself of no
small Importance. This estimate of his dignity
did not appear to be universally acknowledged,
as two or three young balloons sat close behind
him watching his proceedings; sometimes, with
the most grotesque movements and expressions
they would stand directly Id his path, and hob
ble away only at the last moment. One daring
youngster followed close on the heels of the pa
triarch during the whole length of his beat, and
gave q sharp tug at his tail as he was about to
turn. The old fellow seemed to treat it with
the greatest indifference, scarcely turning round
at the insult. Master Impudence was abour
repeating the performance, when the pater,
oh ,,;p hat ba nf f,ot ha
ed, suddenly sprung round, and catching the
young one before he could escape gave him two
or three such cuffs that could hear the screams
that resulted therefrom. The venerable genlle-
man then chucked the delinquent over his shou
der and continued his promenade with the
greatest coolness this old baboon. evidently
was acquainted with the practicals of Solomons
proverb. A crowd gathered round the naugh
ty child, who chidike seeing commiseration,
shrieked all the louder. even fancied l could
see the angry glances of the mamma, as she took
her dear little pet up in her arms, and removed
it from a repetition OF such brutal treatment.
KAFFIB WOMEN.
The frontier Kaffirs are fine athletic men, and
stand generally about six feet in height; they
are nearly black, and have woody hair although
the features are in many cases almost European
The intombi's, or young girls, are often quite
pretty, with wild, free, dark eyes, that may well
plead as excuses for the young Kaffirs' propensi-
ty for cattle stealing, the decimal coinage OF
Kafirland being 10 cows l wife. One very
soon gets over the prejudices of color, and after
having looked for some time on the rich black
OF Kaffir belle, white lady appears bloodless
consumptve and sickly in comparison. The
hard work that an untasi, or wife has to per-
form very soon spoils her girlish figure and ap
pearance, and she then becomes baggard,
wrinkled repulsive old witch. The GOODNESS OF
these women is often surprising. A skirlnish
with the Katflrs and our troops might take place
on one day, and on the next the women belong
ing to the Kaffir men engaged would come into
the camp and offer wood or milk for sale, call
ing us to "tenga," (buy.) l suspect that these
women are often sent in merely as spies.
DINNER IN SOUTH AFRICA.
Joined two friends, and started for Beaufort
q days ride distant. was much amused at the
cool manner in which our dinner was provided
at the inn on the road "What will you have,
gentlemen 2" was asked; "beef, turkey. Or"
turkey roast, vote" said one. in answer to
the landlords question. "Piet !" cried the land
lord, "knock over that turkey in the corner
"Jabas," answered Hottentot servant. A log
of wood flew at the turkeys head indicated, and
with unerring aim, he was knocked over, pluck
ed, drawn, and roasted in about an hour-and-a-
half and was very good and tender.
THE CHIEF GOING HOME.
On the road to Graham's Town, met large
party of Kafirs, galloping as usual, leaving a
cloud of dust behind. They pulled up as met
them, when | recognized the great Gaka chiet
Sandilla, ANITA the giant, splendid fellow near
ly seven feet high, and all the aristocracy Of
Kaffirland. They had been for some time pris-
oners in Graham's Town for their rebelious
conduct in not stopping the cattle stealing OF
their men, but had now been let out and allow.
ed to 90 home, on condition of promising to be
good boys in future, and kissing the governors
great toe. They appeared to be in high spirits,
and in answer to my "Uya pina2" (Where are
you going y shouted with exultation, "GodukrF'
(going home)
fho Iurv