404 ACROSS AFRICA. [Chap. 



October, sisted of a basket trimmed with small skins, the bottom being 

 1875. formed of a piece of gourd. This was filled with shells, small 

 figures of men, tiny baskets, and packets containing amulets, 

 and a heterogeneous collection of rubbish. 



The method of divining was something after the manner 

 adopted by ancient dames in more civilized parts of the globe, 

 who imagine they can look into the future by gazing intently 

 at the dregs in the bottom of a tea-cup. 



On being consulted, the basket was emptied of its contents ; 

 and as the queries to which answers were desired were put to 

 the magician, he selected such things to be returned to the bas- 

 ket as he considered appropriatCo He then gave it a dexterous 

 twist, and, after carefully inspecting the manner in which its 

 contents had arranged themselves, delivered the all-important 

 answer to the anxious dupe. 



Besides telling fortunes, he also did a lively amount of trade 

 in charms and amulets, without which no African would con- 

 sider himself safe on a journey. One charm I noticed was in 

 very large demand, as it was suj^posed to prevent slaves from 

 running away. It was composed of a large horn filled with 

 mud and bark, and having three very small horns projecting 

 from its lower end. 



I had often seen these charms in the possession of Alvez's 

 people, who placed them in the ground close to the owner's 

 quarters in camp, and constantly anointed them with red earth 

 and oil, in order to propitiate the spirit believed to exist within 

 them. Alvez had one of these horns lashed to his flag-staff ; 

 but I believe he used the anointing oil more for his own pur- 

 poses than those of the devil's. 



When the fetich-man found no more buyers of charms, he 

 offered to cure any disease with which any person present 

 might be afflicted. To some he gave charms as a remedy, but 

 to the majority he administered draughts made from various 

 roots and herbs. He also showed himself an adept at sham- 

 pooing. 



Joao's principal stock for trading with Kasongo consisted of 

 flint-lock muskets and powder; and when possessed of a suffi- 

 cient number of fire-arms, I have no doubt he will try his hand 

 at robbing caravans ; for when I passed through his country he 



