Seven Years in South Africa, Volume 1

My travelling companions -- Departure from the diamond-fields -- The Vaal River and valley -- Visit to Koranna village -- Structure of Koranna huts -- Social condition of the Korannas -- Klipdrift -- Distinction between Bechuanas and Korannas -- Interior of a Koranna hut -- Fauna of the Vaal valley -- A bad road -- A charming glen -- Cobras and their venom -- Ring-neck snakes -- The mud in the Harts River.

Having completed my equipment, and made all necessary preparations, I had next to make a decision, most important in expeditions of this kind, as to the individuals who should accompany me. My first idea had been to take with me only a few black servants; but on due consideration, I found it advisable to abandon this, and to travel with a party of white men. Without any hesitation my choice fell upon the same two young men who had been my companions in the baboon-hunt at Christmas; and, as a third associate, I invited Friedrich Eberwald, a native of Thuringia, to join us. He was an excellent fellow, who subsequently proved one of my most faithful friends, and in my second journey afforded me very valuable assistance; he had always had an irresistible love of seeing foreign lands, and after having visited nearly all Europe and Asia Minor, and many parts of North and South America, he had come to try his luck in the diamond-fields, where, however, he had been very moderately successful.