British Guiana Gold Diggings. 67 



This last instrument is so remarkable that it deserves 

 a separate description. A piece of strong, pliable wood, 

 about three feet long, is bent into a half circle by means 

 of a piece of stout whip-cord. An ordinary fiddle bow 

 is made with wood and thread, and both the thread and 

 whip-cord are thoroughly waxed with a little of the soft 

 sealing wax off the top of a gin flask. An empty paraffin 

 can is next obtained, to be used as a sounding board. 

 The performer sits holding the bent wood, one end 

 resting on his left shoulder, and one on the paraffin tin, 

 bracing the whole and holding it in position with 

 his left leg. The bow is held in the right hand, 

 and by drawing it across the whip-cord, a good, well- 

 toned sound is obtained, very similar to the note of a 

 violoncello. The notes are obtained by holding the 

 whip-cord between the first finger and thumb of the left 

 hand, fingering up and down the single string. With 

 this primitive instrument, really wonderful results can be 

 obtained, and to hear the men playing it on Sundays to 

 accompany their hymns, quite reminds one of church. 

 Its resonance is indeed remarkable. 



On the river they like to sing to the time of the oars 

 or paddles, and, when possible, to rattle their hoes and 

 spades, in time to some popular tune when working at 

 the tom. If there is any hauling to be done, they are 

 delighted with the opportunity for clearing their throats^ 

 They are also very fond of dancing. On moonlight 

 nights they dance the " tobo" or the " kumfo." Give 

 them a clear space, no matter how rough, and soon it 

 will be level and smooth. They seem to be utterly 

 regardless of the soles of their feet, the skin of which, 

 from continuous exposure and long use, becomec as thick 



c 

 12 



