Bushmen

Bushmen, or BOSJESMANS, are a nomadic race found in South Central Africa, especially in the Kalahari Desert, where they subsist on game and the desert roots. In appearance the Bushmen are thin and wiry, but not dwarfish; poor and debased when found near the Cape, but of improved appearance and intelligence farther northwards. They do not cultivate the soil, build no huts, have no cattle or goats, wear only a few rough skins for clothing, and do not gather round a king or chief; at one time a numerous race, they are now rapidly becoming extinct. In some of the mountain caves which they have inhabited, rude paintings and sculpture are to be seen displaying real artistic talent. Although they resemble the Hottentots (q.v.) in colour and features, the relationship is by no means clear. The languages of both abound in curious and unpleasant clicking sounds, but have little or nothing else in common.