264 UNANIMITY IN THE CALAHM. 



their names to be enrolled in my note-book, 

 hastened to their homes, to make some prepara- 

 tions for the journey. 



April 25th. — "We were obliged to remain at 

 Herhowlee all this day, to allow of some jowahree 

 biscuit being prepared, for the use of the new escort 

 upon the road. Numerous deliberative calahms 

 were held during the day, for the Dankalli people 

 cannot do the least public business, without having 

 a succession of these council-meetings to determine 

 upon the best course to be adopted. 



In these calahms, it is usual for every one to sit 

 down in a large circle, holding before him his 

 shield, over the top of which the face alone is 

 visible. In the right hand they hold the spear 

 upright, its butt-end resting upon the ground. 

 Each has a voice in the assembly, but it is very 

 seldom that more than two or three of them speak, 

 and the advice of the elders appears to have the 

 greatest influence. When any difference of opinion 

 arises, the party in the minority never endeavours 

 to argue, but either remains silent or retires from 

 the circle, so that the greatest unanimity always 

 prevails. In case of very different opinions being 

 supported by influential men, I have seen the two 

 parties divide into separate rings. Each discuss 

 their own particular views, and subsequent con- 

 ferences of the chiefs of either side then determine 

 the course of action to be adopted. During the 

 whole proceedings the greatest care is taken to 



