CHAPTER I.

Determine to travel in Africa.—Motives for the Journey.—Preparations.—Stock in Trade.—An Emigrant Ship.—Arrival at Cape Town.—Dangers of the Road.—Change of Route.—Determine to proceed by Walfisch Bay.—Necessary Outfit.—Prospects of the Route.—Travelling Cortège.—Servants and Dogs.—Arrival at Walfisch Bay.—The Natives.—Extraordinary Mirage.—The Kuisip River.—Tobacco.—Ride-Oxen.—Disembarking.—Misadventure at Starting.—Perils of the Desert.—The ’Nara.—The Mission at Scheppmansdorf 1