Bechuanaland.—A protectorate containing the territories of various native chiefs. The Crown Colony of British Bechuanaland was annexed to Cape Colony, November 1895. It is bounded on the north by the Motopo River, beyond which is the country known as the British Protectorate.
Belmont.—A station on the railway from Cape Town to Kimberley, 591 miles from the former and about 54 miles from the latter.
Berg.—A mountain or high hill.
Biltong.—Strips of meat dried in the sun. It is much used by the Boers in war-time, as it is very portable and can be kept for an almost unlimited period.
Bivouac.—From bis, “double,” and the German word wache, “a guard.” An army is said to bivouac when it does not encamp at night and sleeps in the open. This form of resting has the advantage over tents, as it does not enable the enemy to form any conception of the strength of his adversary.
Black Watch.—The 42nd Regiment of the line, known as one of the most distinguished corps in the British army. In Chambers’s “Encyclopedia” is found the following: “‘Black Watch,’ the appellation given to certain armed companies employed to watch the Highlands of Scotland. The term ‘black’ arose from the dress of this species of militia being composed of tartans of dark colours. Some Highlanders had been armed by Government as early as 1725, when General Wade was appointed Commander-in-Chief in Scotland, but it was not till about 1729 or 1730 that the companies assumed a regular form.” They were stationed originally in different parts of the Highlands, and, acting independently of each other, were styled “the Independent Companies of the Black Watch.” Subsequently, after being of great use for local purposes, the companies, united, were formed into the 42nd Regiment under the command of the Earl of Crawford, in 1739.
Bloemfontein.—The capital of the Orange Free State, on the railway line between Cape Town and Pretoria, 750 miles from the former and 290 from the latter town. Population about 7000 white, 3000 black inhabitants. It is a picturesque, cleanly, and prosperous town. Three English newspapers are published there, and it is much frequented by the English, by whom the fine climate is much esteemed.
Boers.—The Dutch word for farmers. For early history and character see vol. i.
Bombproof Buildings.—Buildings formed so as to withstand the shock of heavy shot or shell falling on them.
Boschveld.—Plain covered with bush or scrub.