CHARMS AND AMULETS 



of trees and bushes to which certain virtues are 



ascribed. The teeth of crocodiles, the teeth and 



claws of lions and leopards and other animals, are 



also worn. In the cases of some of these charms, 



avoidance of rheumatism, skin diseases, and the 



like is believed to be assured. In those of claws, 



and the teeth of reptiles and carnivora, safety from 



these creatures is considered to be secured. There 



are, in addition, procurable for a consideration from 



the witch doctor, other charms which, when worn 



or otherwise exercised, are believed to make the 



owner invisible, or, buried with the incantations 



proper to the occasion, enable him to secretly cause 



the death of any obnoxious neighbour. Other 



forms of medicine render him immune to bullets 



and arrows, whilst others again enable him to 



kiU invariably by the same means. The charms 



and amulets I have mentioned are worn round 



the neck, interspersed, sometimes quite tastefully, 



with beads. They are also carried on the wrists 



and ankles, around the waist, and wherever 



their virtue is counted upon to exert a salutary 



influence. 



Many natural remedies are known, not only to 

 the Nganga, but also to the people, and from some 

 of these I have personally more than once derived 

 benefit. Their knowledge of remedies chiefly 

 consists of simple herbs, grasses, and leaves. In- 

 fusions of the bark of certain trees are, however, 

 much resorted to, as also charcoal made into a 

 paste with castor-oil, and applied as an ointment 

 to wounds, obstinate sores, ulcers, and the like. 

 Remedies for curing simple ailments, such as 



