XXI.] 



A STATE VISIT. 



277 



and shield-bearers, varying in number according to rank, a few September, 

 of the more important being followed also by drummers. Each 1874. 

 new-comer was brought to the entrance, where the Arabs and 

 myself had taken our seats, and his name and rank proclaimed 

 by the master of the ceremonies, who further informed him of 

 the position he was to occupy in order to be ready to. welcome 

 Kasongo. 



After some time spent in this manner, some drumming and 

 shouting heralded the approach of the great man himself. 



KING KASONGO. 



First in the procession were half a dozen drummers, then thirty 

 or forty spearmen, followed by six women carrying shields, and 

 next Kasongo, accompanied by his brothers, eldest son, two of 

 his daughters, and a few officials, the rear being brought up by 

 spearmen, drummers, and marimba-players. On his" reaching 

 the entrance to the hut, a ring was formed, and Kasongo— 

 dressed in a jacket and kilt of red -and -yellow woolen cloth 

 trimmed with long-haired monkey - skins, and with a greasy 



20 



