REVIEW.-Campbell's Travels in the | After mentioning the manner in which South of Africa. Continued from col. 284. the Bushmen poison their arrows, namely, by killing the yellow serpent, and extracting the fatal liquid from two bags under the upper jaw-bone, into which, with some other ingredi wounds of which are mortal; it is added, that "no serpent can withstand the oil of tobacco; one drop or two is followed with spasms and death." In a preceding number, we had only just time to announce the existents, they dip their weapons, the ence of these interesting volumes, and to give a few extracts from them. During the intermediate periods which have since elapsed, we have had an opportunity of examining them more attentively, and of forming an estimate of the author's plan, labours, and proceedings. Mr. Campbell, after meeting with some impediments in the Irish channel, finally sailed from Liverpool, on the 10th of December, 1818; crossed the tropic of Cancer, on the 22d; the equator, on the 8th of January, 1819; the tropic of Capricorn, on January 20th; and on February 26th, landed at Cape Town, without meeting with any thing remarkable during his voyage. He remained at Cape Town until the 4th of May, when, in company with two Missionaries, he proceeded to visit the missionary stations situated in the vicinity of the eastern coast, and within the colony of the Cape. From this place it was Mr. Campbell's intention to proceed to some stations beyond the colony, but a Caffre war breaking out, the journey was postponed until the 18th of January, 1820, when, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Moffat, and some attendant Hottentots, Mr. Campbell took his departure, and began to encounter those difficulties which the enterprising and courageous are always prepared to expect. Their mode of conveyance was in waggons drawn by oxen. "At noon," says Mr. C. "on the 4th of February, the timbers of the waggon became so heated, that they could not be touched; the thermometer stood at 100. At half-past three we proceeded on our journey; the thunder, which from noon had been rolling round us, came nearer; loud peals broke over our heads, attended with much forked lightning, which continued for two hours without intermission. At ten we crossed the Buffalo River, that runs into the Elephant River, and at half-past one in the morning, we halted at the side of the Helbeck River, in the bed of which we found water."-vol. i. p. 9. Mr. C. reached the extremities of the colony about the end of February, observing in his journey many incidents, which cannot but prove highly entertaining to every European reader. No. 40. Vol. IV. This extremity of the colony formerly abounded with lions and tigers; but since the lands have been in some degree cultivated, they have retired from the district, and are at present but rarely seen. Mr. C. however, observes :— "The farmer's son told us, that the first month after taking possession of the ground for their farm, they killed twenty-eight lions, and that only four days ago they had shot a lion, which had devoured a kid.”—p. 34. The first day on which they entered the country of the Bushmen, they found themselves watched by a large lion, which, to prevent the oxen from smelling him, always kept on the lee side; but he did not commence an attack. At one time, forty-three ostriches were seen from the waggon. Every ten minutes they were visited by sudden gusts of wind, one of which tore the tent from several of its fixtures, and another overturned the waggon. These gusts seldom continued above a minute, when they were succeeded by a dead calm. The heat was excessive; the thermometer ranging from 92 to 100. Every where the tracks of lions were visible. Thunder and lightning were tremendous, and almost incessant ; and the face of the country was rather barren and dreary. In passing along, Mr. Campbell, on all suitable occasions, endeavoured to collect the natives, and, through the medium of an interpreter, to explain to them the nature, import, and object, of Christian worship. On making inquiries of them respecting their thoughts on these important concerns, he was variously answered; some excusing themselves on the ground of not understanding what was delivered, others declaring that it was a religion proper only for white men; but all seemed to conclude that they conferred a favour by their attendance, for which they thought they were entitled to some remuneration. 2 G would have been able himself to write a letter to the far land." " 66 6 Missionary, and he will write for me. 66 6 not asked. " Arriving at Lattakoo, Mr. Campbell found the same principles more or less prevailing; and it was evident, that the regular attendance of an individual, generally speaking, was sure to be followed by some request. The schools being but partially regarded, Mr. C. on mentioning the circumstance to Mateebe and his chief captains, was informed that the children "Here I was told that there was no Bootwere wanted to attend the cattle. shuana word for soul or spirit, but heart or Mateebe observed, that as he had breath, and that it was still uncertain whether taken the advice of the Missionaries, the people understood that they had souls. in not going on marauding expedi-occasion to say that he was like Mateebe, for The interpreter, who is a Matchappee, took tions against his neighbours, and by he neither understood book nor letter-that he these means augmenting his stock of saw nothing in the book but colour; that when cattle, he thought it but right, that, he looked at a book, his head was dark, and as a compensation for his virtue, he ought to be furnished with muskets, powder, and ball, from government, to kill game. But Mr. C. after informing him that he had no command over such articles, drew his attention to the more immediate object of his journey, which led to the following conversation. his heart dead. word was peaceable, and the children know it, Munameets, after holding out his hand for snuff, began to speak: "This is not,' said he, ⚫ our original country, but a place called Nokamma, which lies three days' journey to the "Does Mateebe think any of his people are happier or better, by the things which the Mis-N. W. of Griqua Town. Hottentot marauders sionaries have told them?" " "All are pleased with the Word, but we cannot comprehend it, we are glad we have the means of knowing it; we can now sleep well.'" "Can Mateebe tell what causes them to sleep so well? Is it because they now know something of the true God, or because white men with guns now live among them?' " "A peace from God, and by the word coming among us.'" "When Jesus Christ was in the world, some who did not understand the meaning of what he said, came and requested him to explain it to them. The inhabitants of Lattakoo should do the same to the Missionaries, when they hear any thing they do not understand."" "That ought to be so; but the Griquas once did not understand-now they are changed. I hope it will be so with us.' "Does Mateebe now understand how a book can speak, better than he did when I endeavoured to explain it on my former visit?'" "I do not yet understand how the Bible speaks, nor how a letter tells about things which happen far off."" Wherefore does the king come to the Missionaries to ask for news, when he hears they have received a letter?' "The Missionary looks at the letter and knows news, but when I look at it I see nothing; because the Missionary knows things by the letter, I ask him what they are.' Does Mateebe know how news comes in the letter?'' "I do not know, but the people who can write know it." " "I expected that Mateebe, before now, drove us to the Krooman. Here,' he added, 'the Word of God came, and found them, and brought peace, but he was sorry he could not understand it, he wished God would give them a heart; the word going only into our ears,' said he, 'does not help us, but God must make the heart right.' 66 6 Why does Munameets believe there is a God?'" "Yes, I believe God is every where, and hears prayer, because he made all things; therefore I hope God will answer my prayer.' "To see how far he understood the meaning of soul, I asked why a dead man could not walk, as well as a living man?" "When a man is dead, he rots, and cannot walk.'" "Do you understand what life is? You will sometimes say, when a man is not quite dead, there is life in him-now, what is life?"" "So long as God allows life to be in the man, he walks; but when he takes it out, he cannot walk, he is like an ox when slain.' "These conversations were taken down verbatim, at the time. Lest they should become opportunity."--p. 81. tired, the meeting was adjourned to a future Like most other untutored children of nature, these natives always manifested an inordinate attachment to buttons, beads, and other baubles; | like a purse, and sewed to two round pieces of but the charms of tobacco and snuff were irresistible. On one occasion, Mateebe making signs that he wanted some snuff, Mr. C. shewed him how with his finger and thumb it was to be taken from the box; but instead of following this instruction, no sooner was the box in his possession, than he thrust in his fingers, and pulled out nearly the whole contents of the box. On another occasion, a crowd being assembled, many women and girls surrounded Mr. C. sturdily calling out for snuff; and as many as could, thrust with eagerness their fingers into the box, to share its contents; but although blows were liberally dealt around by the king's son, they could not be made to desist until they were satisfied that it was empty. Having frequently heard from the Missionaries, that before the coming of the Son of God to judge the world, the sun and moon would be darkened, they had made serious inquiries, when a late eclipse of the sun took place, if the Son of God was coming? and on a more recent occasion, when they perceived an eclipse of the moon, they inquired if she was dying! To decorate themselves in finery, some of the natives solicited Mr. C.'s seal and key, that they might suspend these ornaments to their ears; but to convince them that these articles could not be spared, he took out his watch and touching the spring, the case opened, apparently of its own accord. This created such terror, that the whole party fled to the distance of thirty yards; but on observing that he smiled at their timidity, they resumed courage, and cautiously viewed the works within, and the movements of the wheels, with the utmost astonishment. Many European articles which they examined, excited their admiration; but a blind and unconquerable attachment to the conduct of their ancestors, prevents any attempt to imitate such things as would otherwise be within their reach, and for the accomplishment of which they have sufficient ingenuity. "On the 5th of April, 1820," says Mr. C. "I visited a smith, who makes knives and assagias or spears. His implements were few, having a stone for an anvil, a rough-made iron hammer, the head of which might weigh about a pound, and two small bellows made of skin, with a piece of cow-horn at one end, through, which the blast went, the other end being open wood. These bellows were laid upon the ground opposite the fire, with a heavy stone to keep the under side steady. He effected a blast by quickly raising and depressing the upper side of the bellows, and with equal ease blew both at the same time. The iron which he wrought came from the north-east, higher up the country."—p. 101. As a further proof that the natives are not wholly destitute of those conveniences which embellish civilized life, Mr. C. observes, that on one occasion he saw a woman shaving a head with a razor, formed of steel, which had a good edge. Its form somewhat resembled that of a spade. This instrument was purchased for a few beads; and when the bargain was ratified, they did not hesitate to laugh at the folly of the purchaser. The practice of inoculation they had also learnt from white men, probably the Portuguese. They made the incision, and inserted the virus in the forehead. To the rite of circumcision they likewise regularly adhered; but on the origin of this custom among them, they would give no satisfactory information. On all questions respecting this practice, they seemed to study a mysterious silence. Their notions of moral justice, Mr. C. represents as partial, and dreadfully defective. They, however, sometimes punished delinquents for theft. On these occasions the king acted both as judge and executioner. The culprit was laid flat on the ground, and severely whipped. The vice of covetousness prevails among them to an astonishing degree; marauding expeditions were frequently undertaken without any regard to common honesty; and wars were generally prosecuted for no other purpose than to obtain cattle. In some places patches of fine land were clothed with verdure; and in others there was an extensive cultivation of corn. With the value of the potato they were not unacquainted, but from a rigorous adherence to the conduct of their ancestors, this root was rarely cultivated. Speaking of the inhabitants of Kurreechane, Mr. C. observes as follows: milk, food, and a kind of beer made from corn. They had also pots of clay of all sizes, and very strong. Every part of their houses and yards is kept very clean. They smelt both iron and copper. The rain maker took us to see one furnace, in which they smelted iron. It was built of clay, almost equal in hardness to stone. A round opening was left at the top for receiving the ore, and an excavation beneath for holding the fire, which was open behind and before, not only for admitting the fuel, but also the wind of the bellows."p.228. - immediately dispatched him to the waggons. On cutting off two or three pounds to each of the women, I never witnessed so sudden a change from the lowest depth of depression and agitation to the most extravagant joy. A criminal receiving a pardon under the gallows could not have expressed his delight in a more animated manner. The sound which they made immediately brought others from their concealment, who rushed towards us, and begged some flesh also. We gave to each a piece of flesh and a little tobacco. They danced for a few minutes, and then proceeded to light their fires, in order to cook the flesh they had so unexpectedly received. Their black fingers appeared as hard as bones, and were probably Of the various articles which these inhabitants at Kurreechane manufacture, Mr. Campbell gives the follow-rendered so by digging roots out of the ground ing list. "Of Iron: pick axes, adzes, battle axes, knives, spears, razors, awls, drills, bores or bits, smith-tongs, hammers, rings, and beads. Of Ivory: knife handles, whistles, arm and leg rings. Of Copper: neck, arm, leg, ear rings, and beads. Of Rushes: baskets and bonnets. Of Leather: cloaks, caps, sandals, and shields. Of Wood: various kinds of dishes, spoons, &c. Of Clay: various sizes and patterns of pots, jars, and goblets. Of Stone: pipes. They grow much tobacco, both for their own consumption, and as an article of trade. In preparing it they boil the leaves, which greatly reduces its strength, and renders it insipid to those accustomed to tobacco otherwise prepared; yet such is the power of habit, that they preferred it greatly to ours, though much stronger. "They have iron, found to be equal to any steel. A cutler, at Kurreechane, would be able to support the mission without any expense to the society, if a disinterested man. Every knife he manufactured, though without being made to shut, would be worth a sheep, and many of these he could make in one day. He would instantly find customers among the inhabitants of the town, and those from other nations. A rough made axe is worth an ox. It was impossible to number the houses in Kurreechane, but probably the population may amount to sixteen thousand, it being at least four times the size of New Lattakoo."p. 277. But while the natives of Kurreechane live in a state of comparative civilization, some of the wandering Bushmen and their families exhibited a finished picture of human wretchedness. Of one scene, Mr. C. gives the following account. "About ten, A. M. we passed two villages belonging to the Bootshuana Bushmen. At There were about seventy huts, but only nine women and a few children at home, all of whom, except three women, concealed themselves at first. These stood leaning with their backs against a hut, silently viewing us. They were complete exhibitions of starvation, and seemed to be under considerable apprehensions for their safety. One of our people asked if he might bring them a little rhinoceros flesh? we the last of them we halted for a short time. for food. Their men had been absent on a hunt for three weeks, and of course the situation of these poor females must have been very distressing."-p. 288. By an authority which cannot err, man, in his natural state, is represented as without natural affection. The following incident furnishes a melancholy comment on this delineation. "There was a poor Mashow lad, about fourteen years of age, who, from want of food, appeared like a skeleton, to whom the Hottentots had now and then given something to eat. His father came, and offered to sell him for a little flesh. Pelangye, at the same time offered to sell me his daughter Tattenyanne for some rhinoceros' flesh, though from his treatment of the girl I could perceive no dislike he had to her; but his love of eating appeared far to exceed his affection for any other object."p. 296. But in what district soever Mr. C. travelled, some general features of character pervaded all classes, varying from one another only in degrees of grossness. Their appetites were voracious; and nothing seemed to give them greater pleasure than inordinate indulgence. To their gluttony and improvidence a considerable portion of their miseries might be traced. They appeared to know no medium between excess and starvation; and gratification was rarely suspended, but through the want of food. That they should be credulous and superstitious in a high degree, their condition in life would lead every one to expect. To truth they seldom manifested any strong attachment, especially if they thought that lying would best promote their interest. Of this they were so sensible, in their transactions with each other, that for one to give the lie to another in the most direct terms, was never deemed an insult. The appearance of Mr. Campbell one horn, four handles for their battle axes. Our people wounded another, which they reported to be much larger. "The head being so weighty, and the distance to the Cape so great, it appeared necessary to cut off the under jaw, and leave it behind. The animal is considered by naturalists, since the arrival of the skull in London, to be that which is described in the 39th chapter of the unicorn of the ancients, and the same as the book of Job. The part of the head brought to London may be seen at the Missionary Museum."-p. 295. and his associates never failed to ex- In some of the territories through which Mr. C. passed, the districts abounded with lions, antelopes, rhinoceroses, wild asses, and various other animals. Among those of the rhinoceros' genus, was one which merits a particular description, which we give in Mr. Campbell's own words. "They brought also the head of one of them, which was different from all the others that had been killed. The common African rhinoceros has a crooked horn resembling a cock's spur, which rises about nine or ten inches above the nose, and inclines backward; immediately behind this is a short thick horn: but the head they brought had a straight horn, projecting three feet from the forehead, about ten inches above the tip of the nose. The projection of this horn very much resembles the fanciful unicorn in the British arms. It has a small thick horny substance, eight inches long, immediately behind it, which can hardly be observed on the animal at the distance of a hundred yards, and seems to be designed for keeping fast that which is penetrated by the long horn; so that this specie of rhinoceros must appear really like a unicorn when running in the field. The head resembled in size a nine gallon cask, and measured three feet from the mouth to the ear, and being much larger than that of the one with the crooked horn, and which measured eleven feet in length, the animal itself must have been still larger and more formidable. From its weight, and the position of the horn, it appears capable of overcoming any creature hitherto known. Hardly any of the natives took the smallest notice of the head, but treated it as a thing familiar to them. As the entire horn is perfectly solid, the natives, I afterwards heard, make, from During their various journeys, the want of water was sometimes felt with peculiar severity. This valuable fluid occasionally appeared nearly white, from being impregnated with clay; but its taste was not disagreeable, nor was its use attended with any pernicious consequences. Near some of the springs water-cresses were found pleasing abundance; but of this vegetable the natives knew not the use, and at seeing it eaten, they expressed no small degree of astonishment. The In some districts, serpents were frerous and venomous, but no accident quently discovered; these were numeis recorded as having happened to the missionaries from their bites. birds, as in most tropical regions, exhibited an exquisite plumage, but they were unable to add much to the harmony of the groves. (To be concluded in our next.) REVIEW.-Arcita and Palamon: after the excellent poet Geoffrey Chaucer, by Lord Thurlow, 8vo. pp. 120. London: Booth, No. 32, Duke-street, Manchester Square. 1822. THIS is a version of the Knight's Tale, by our venerable bard, Geoffrey Chaucer, whose name and writings have gathered fame by floating on the stream of time. The wreaths which encircle his brows are formed of imperishable amaranth; and the respect with which his compositions have been treated by all, who, since his day, have attempted to climb Parnassus, sanctions the opinion of Dr. Johnson, that "almost in all countries the most ancient poets are considered as the best." It is, however, much to be regretted, that so many of our early poets are comparatively unknown, although few surpass them in excellence. Many of their words are obsolete; many have |