A Strange Belief. 221 



I have found them most friendly and hospitable. Any 

 fault that may be found does not apply to any of them 

 individually, and it is the result of a system which they 

 have to follow. Although I have stated that certain of the 

 natives who have been given a crucifix may be dishonest or 

 untruthful, I think that many are influenced for good by 

 the teaching they receive. If a native has more than one 

 wife he cannot get a "mtanda" (crucifix), but it is only 

 the younger natives who seem to care to possess one. To 

 teach natives to read and write, and also to work at 

 various trades, is most admirable, but to teach them merely 

 to sing and chant hymns, and repeat the Lord's Prayer, is 

 rather futile, as they have not the slightest idea of the true 

 meaning, and simply do so because it is an excuse for 

 making a noise, and a native is very fond of hearing his 

 own voice. Natives, in their habits, are most gregarious, 

 they like to collect together, and the way they have 

 formed themselves into communities shows that they believe 

 there is safety in numbers. This habit was doubtless 

 caused in the old days, when they found it advisable to 

 build their huts close together and live near one another. 

 A negro is always inclined to show more bravery in front 

 of his fellows than he is when by himself, as he does not 

 possess that strength of mind and self-reliant spirit which 

 enables him to depend on himself. 



A strange story was told me with regard to the invasion 

 of this country by the Angoni (Zulus). 



They firmly believe that Zonandowa, the father of old 

 Mpseni, when he came to the Zambesi River, made the 

 waters go apart and leave a path for the army to cross 

 safely to the other side. They say the place is not far 

 from Nungwi (Tete), and some of the older men can point 

 it out at the present day. Considering the old Scriptural 

 story of the same kind, I think it most interesting that 

 they should have such a belief. 



When a man is fierce or bad-tempered, the Angoni say 

 that the spirits of wild animals have entered into him ; and 

 this is particularly the case when the " peppery" individual 



