XXVI.

THE DIAMOND FIELDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

MODE OF REACHING THEM.—THEIR EXTENT AND RICHNESS.—THE YIELD OF THE MINES.—CHARACTER OF THE AFRICAN DIAMONDS.—MODE OF WORKING.—THE NEGROES AND THEIR PECULIARITIES.—DU TOIT’S PAN.—KIMBERLEY.—COLESBERG KOPJE.—LIFE IN THE FIELDS.—DUST STORMS AND HEAVY RAINS.—A WHIRLWIND AND ITS EFFECTS.—CAUGHT IN A STORM.—INDIVIDUAL INSTANCES OF GOOD LUCK.—A DIAMOND ON A BURST. 391