CHAP. XVII AFRICAN CREEDS 361 



In fact, just as the Somali have introduced into their Mohammed- 

 anism a mass of pagan practices, and the SuahiH have softened their 

 originally fanatical creed into harmony with their indolent and tolerant 

 natures, so the Abyssinians have degraded the religion they profess, 

 until it allows the systems of polygamy and slavery to flourish un- 

 checked, and permits the retention of barbarous habits and cruel rites. 



