286 



REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1887. 



the Congo region. Two stout palm leaves are laid about a foot apart 

 and thedeaflets on their adjacent sides are braided together. The leaf- 



^^it'^f^p 



Fig. 41. 

 Peasant Women of Russia carrying stone on a bier. 



(After George Kennan, in Century Magazine.) 



lets on their outer margins are twisted into short cords and then braided 

 into a continuous margin for the frame. (Fig. 43.) This apparatus is 

 loaded with the greatest variety of merchandise, to be carried to and 

 from the coast in trade. 



"The Madis of Africa make admirable porters, being very careful of 

 the loads intrusted to them, and display no little forethought and inge- 

 nuity in preserving them from injury. The rule is that no load should ex- 

 ceed 50 pounds in weight, and that it should be either square or oblong, 

 the latter being preferred. They always carry the load on the head on 

 a pad made of grass, very rarely steadying it with the hand unless going 

 over very rough ground. They strongly object to carry loads over 50 

 pounds, but if pressed will take them up to 70 pounds, if the distance to 

 be marched is not more than three days and extra food is given them. 

 Loads of 100 or ]20 pounds are carried by two men, hung on a pole, 

 which they balance on their heads, but they do not like the work. If 

 a very heavy load has to be carried, e. #., a man, they place him on a 

 native bed and carry him, two at a time, changing relays of men at 

 about each mile. This they prefer to carrying by four men at once. I 

 can testify from personal experience that it is far better to be carried 

 by two men than four, for they go much more easily and do not run 

 against so many trees or overhanging branches. The relief men march 

 before those who are bearers and cry out when obstacles occur. 



As regards distance they carry loads of 50 pounds 20 miles a day, for 

 eight or ten consecutive days, without showing signs of distress, but 



