SOCIKTV OK THK UNIVERSITY OK AUKRDERN. 



113 



othei' for tho thumb ; the part 1'or the thumb has small spikes inside. 

 These were used and are still occasionally used for suspected thieves 

 to make them discover where they had hidden stolen property. I 

 know of one instance where this treatment was most effectual. 



The Ashantis are most conservative. Fantees, Kroo boys and other 

 tribes will give a great deal to get European dress, but I have never 

 seen an Ashanti in such dress. The same applies to their religion 

 and all their customs and all their traditions. As regards the two last 

 named thev are most reticent. 



FIG. 5. Plan of Ashanti native gold mine. 



Gold mining has been a staple industry of the country for gener- 

 ations. The workings are alluvial and have been worked by the 

 Ashantis and their slaves. Native workings are found all through 

 the country by streams and forest paths, some extensive, others a few 

 solitary pits by the path side. The modtix opei'autli is a round pit 

 sunk to water level just big enough for one man to work in. The soil 

 is raised by a man on the bank with basket and rope. When water 

 level is reached, i.e., about 40 ft., a tunnel is driven for about 15 to 20 ft. 

 This may be done in four directions, then other shafts are sunk all 

 joining each other like this. If the soil is rich they keep on digging 



and washing. Three shillings worth of gold per dav is good recora- 



15 



