CHAPTER XV 



CHARACTER, HABITS, AND CUSTOMS OF THE 

 ANGOLA NATIVES 



A" | AHE character of the native of Angola is 

 much what the climate of his country 

 has made him. In those parts of the 

 colony where there is an abundant rainfall, a 

 fertile soil, and plentiful game, life has been so 

 readily maintained at a minimum cost of labour 

 that the fortunate inhabitant has developed lazy 

 habits ; and the enervating climate which can so 

 diminish the energy of a European has made the 

 negro listless. With Nature herself helping him, 

 the negro does no more than cultivate a plot of 

 land equal to the needs of his family ; and even 

 this work is done by his women folk, except perhaps 

 for the initial tilling and sowing ; while the lord 

 and master, when not idling and smoking, sets 

 game traps, goes hunting or fishing, or collects 

 rubber, honey, palm oil, wine, salt, or gum, when 

 he feels inclined. 



It is true that the hut is built by the husband, 

 but this is a simple affair, made of saplings and 

 grass taken from the surrounding forest. 



The wives (for there are usually more than 

 one) do all the household work, as well as most 



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