A HANDSOME FELATAH GIRL. 83 



their sight from this dreadful malady. One poor 

 man, a native of Zagoshie, was suffering from 

 cataract of both eyes, and appeared to be a pro- 

 per subject for operation. I proposed it to him, 

 and he seemed quite willing to undergo it ; and 

 had our stay not been so short, I should cer- 

 tainly have made the trial. There were several 

 cases of ulcers (kraw, kraw, a severe form of the 

 itch). Some patients suffering from fever were 

 brought to me for advice : I likewise had several 

 children under me, afflicted with diseases incident 

 to irritation of the gums. 



One morning a very handsome Felatah girl 

 was brought to me by her mother, who appeared 

 very ready to answer all my questions. When 

 I wished to examine the girl's tongue, her mother 

 seemed very reluctant ; and when I attempted to 

 feel her pulse, she was highly indignant. The 

 girl herself was very willing, but the old lady 

 thought I should have recourse to charms, it 

 being the custom of the Mallams to write some- 

 thing on a piece of paper, and then washing the 

 ink off with water, to give the draught to the 

 patient. She had no idea of my touching her 

 daughter, and told the interpreter, that she 

 was afraid if I came in contact with the girl, 



G 2 



