NEGLECT OF ANIMALS. 141 



Cats, of course, fare better, as they can go 

 out on hunting expeditions, but tbey even never 

 look plump and comfortable. The fowls fare 

 the best of all, as the supply of insects and 

 grubs to be found and scratched up is inex- 

 haustible, but I fear they often suffer much 

 from thirst. 



The Kafirs themselves take good care to have 

 plenty to eat, and one good trait in their char- 

 acter is that they always share anything they 

 are eating or drinking with others. 



Their staple food is mealies, sweet potatoes, 

 mandioca root, beans, and ground-nuts, of which 

 they plant only just sufficient for their wants 

 year by year, " taking no heed for the morrow," 

 or, in other words, not planting enough to sell 

 also, and so provide against a dry season and 

 time of famine. 



Millet and a small round corn called mapili 

 are also cultivated, and both eaten and made 

 into cheluana, or native beer. Kice is grown 

 in the neighbouring districts of Poulana and 

 Makota. 



