32 EhJV. ALFRED T. BRYANT. 



The tissue of the rectum l)ecomes rapidly attenuated, dis- 

 integrates, and small pieces are expelled with 'the stools, the 

 latter finally attainino- the ap]iearance of boiled arrowroot. 

 Similarly, the tissue at the pudendal orifices corrodes, leaving 

 the orifices considerably enlarged. In females the septum 

 separating the rectum and vagina may be eaten completely 

 through. Sometimes the spine and neck are said to be 

 affected, rendering it impossible to hold the head erect. 

 There is a general haziness of vision, with dizziness of the 

 brain. 



The disease seems to be tractable enough when treated in its 

 initial stages ; but owing to the absence of pain, or any other 

 alarming symptom, within or about the rectum, at the com- 

 mencement of the attack, the disease very frequently fails to 

 be recognised until the danger is far advanced. Once the 

 advanced stage is reached, though cures are occasionally 

 accomplished, a fatal result may be anticipated — death 

 occurring, with great aljdominal pain (perhaps from peri- 

 tonitis), accompanied by writhing, though Avithout convulsions, 

 during the second, or, more rarely, the third week. 



The disease is apparently infectious, several cases fre- 

 quently occurring in the same kraal ; also epidemic, there 

 being generally many cases at the same time in the same 

 locality ; and perhaps endemic, apparently being more 

 common in certain districts. It seems, hoAvever, to select 

 no particular period of the year, such as the season of green 

 mealies (suggested by Sir P. Manson, if I recollect aright, 

 in connection with the phagedfenic rectitis of America), for 

 one particular outbreak known to the Avriter occurred at the 

 end of the winter and commencement of spring, Avhen only 

 dry grain foods nnd sweet potatoes Avere being partaken of. 



Tn treating this serious disease the medicine-man, conscious 

 of the peril of contagion, commences by fortifying himself 

 against the danger, in that he bathes his body beforehand in 

 a decoction of umGanu (Sclerocarya cafra) bai*k. This 

 performance has the look of a charm rather than of anything 

 else, but before ridiculing, it Avould be Avell to recollect that 



