THE INDIAN HUNTER. 77 



On the contrary, some beenas tend to good feel- 

 ing. The pretty idea of promoting sociability 

 in families, comparing them to swallows, is well 

 exemplified by the arrangement of white dots on 

 the green leaf of a Caladium. The resemblance 

 to a flock of birds is so very close that we cannot 

 avoid saying, " When the swallows homeward 

 fly." Again, friends may be absent for a long 

 time, they are wanted to come back, for every- 

 body is longing to see them. The beena with 

 a purple centre and veins and pink blotches will 

 hasten their return. It is an interesting fact that 

 none of our Indian languages have any words 

 signifying curses, nor do the Peaimen carry on 

 such work as the African witch-doctor. 



Love charms are prominent; we have some 

 for women and others for men. Three distinct 

 Caladiums for white, negro, and Indian women 

 are in our collection ; they have suffused crimson 

 centres. These are either carried on the person 

 or given in food or drink. If a man wishes to 

 attract a particular woman, he rubs himself with 

 the tuber of the special beena together with some 

 scent or aromatic herb. He then gets as near 

 as possible to her ; she is supposed to be drawn 

 towards him in an irresistible manner and to 

 follow him wherever he goes. Women's charms 



