223 



a sitting, and drink in proportion. On the other hand, they can 

 fast for a considerable time, and only when hunger compels will 

 they leave the camp for a fresh supply, and if they cannot get 

 anything else, are satisfied with the toughest roots. 



They are heedless, and cannot be depended upon. If not con- 

 stantly supervised something is sure to be done wrongly, left 

 behind, lost, or wasted. If scolded they laugh, and do not un- 

 derstand the value of time or things ; if their huts burn down 

 they make merry over it. 



The laziness of the natives is great. To get them to work is 

 difficult ; and still more to keep them at it. Directly one's back 

 is turned they either sit or lie down, or disappear altogether. 

 They consider it a great favor to give the smallest aid. To beg 

 they are not ashamed, but annoyed if they do not get w^hat they 

 want, calling the person a miser. 



Lying, cheating, envy, bearing illwill, having ambition, and 

 being conceited, are by no means unknown emotions amongst 

 them, but they lack generosity and nobility of mind. Their 

 rule is, " Eye for eye," &c., and if one only employs a chiding 

 word, or gently strikes the unmannerly child of another, it is re- 

 sented at once, and paid back with interest. 



The natives respect an oath or solemn promise. They have a 

 certain idea of adorning themselves, but their tastes ditier from 

 ours. To beautify themselves they rub their bodies with grease 

 to make the skin shine, and try to ornament it by painting, and 

 the application of tufts and cords. Nor do they take equally to 

 all, hence arise connubial quarrels. 



4. Social Life. 



a. the eight-class system. 



The social as well as the family life of this people is largely 

 governed by a system of eiglit castes (classes), which forms the 

 basis of all degrees of relationship among them, and they, there- 

 fore, adhere with great tenacity to it. That there should be any 

 deviation or change in this is quite incomprehensible to them, as 

 that would force them out of the old routine into a new and 

 strange course, which is entirely beyond their liorizon. All the 

 eight classes are co-ordinated among each other, neither more nor 

 less privilege appertaining to any. With respect of marriage, 

 this is always between a prescribed pair, thus forming four pairs 

 of classes by prescription, although eight by name. Tlie follow- 

 ing synopsis shows which classes may intermarry, and to what 

 class the children of tlie four pairs belong : — 



