58 SORCERY AND WITCHCRAFT. 



to that purpose. They have a confused notion 

 of immortality, and this is the only trace of 

 religion which appears amongst them. They 

 have neither priests, idols, nor any description 

 of worship, but they place great faith in witch- 

 craft ; and the sorcerers, who are also their 

 physicians, are held in high estimation, though 

 more feared than loved. These sorcerers pro- 

 fess to heal the sick by conjurations of the 

 "Wicked Spirit ; they are, however, acquainted 

 with the medicinal properties of many herbs, 

 but carefully conceal their knowledge as a pro- 

 fitable mystery. 



We often received visits on board from chiefs 

 of the Kalushes, generally with their whole 

 family and attendants, who came to examine 

 the ship, receive presents, and eat their fill, ex- 

 pressing their gratitude for these civilities by 

 attempting to entertain us with their horrid 

 national dance. Before coming on board, they 

 usually rowed several times round the ship, 

 howling a song to the following effect : " We 

 come to you as friends, and have really no evil 

 intention. Our fathers lived in strife with 

 you, but let peace be between us. Receive us 



