SNUFF-TAKING. 73 



All Kafir men carry a snuff-box, usually 

 made in the shape of a small bottle, carved out 

 of bone or wood, and worn hanging to the 

 necklace. Some make them out of a piece of 

 cane, ornamented by carving, and stick them 

 through the big slits it is fashionable for both 

 men and women to make through the lobe of 

 the ear a glass stopper from an oil bottle worn 

 in the same manner being considered a great 

 ornament. 



I have some snuff-boxes most beautifully 

 carved out of rhinoceros horn, the prettiest 

 having a small cup for the snuff, and two or 

 three slender spines leading from it about nine 

 inches long ; these are carried stuck through the 

 wool. Small gourds pierced and ornamented 

 with fine brass and copper wire or beads are also 

 used for snuff. 



The Kafirs are inveterate snuff-takers, ex- 

 changing pinches when they meet, and paying 

 visits for the purpose of taking " sclmiff," the 

 majority leaving the pipe of tobacco to the 

 gentler sex. 



