CONTRASTED CHARACTERS. 483 



weapons and implements show a taste for design which is not 

 reached by the neighboring tribes, and in all matters that relate 

 to husbandry they excel : but in dash and courage they are de- 

 ficient. The Waiyau, on the contrary, have round apple-shaped 

 heads, as distinguished from the long well-shaped heads of the 

 poor Manganja ; they are jocular and merry, given to travelling, 

 and bold in war — these are qualities which serve them well as 

 they are driven from pillar to post through slave wars and 

 internal dissension, but they have not the brains of the Man- 

 ganja, nor the talent to make their mark in any direction where 

 brains are wanted. 



The skill of the artizans even among this clever race seemed 

 to diminish, however, as the distance from the lake increased. 

 They have very little knowledge of anything beyond their own 

 limited possessions, and have pursued their avocations in the 

 face of difficulties which can hardly be estimated by those un- 

 familiar with the thoroughly commotional character of a com- 

 munity comprising as many sovereignties as there are villages, 

 and possessing no higher law than the capricious jealousy or 

 covetousness of the hearts of men in the rudest barbarism. But 

 besides their working in iron and the agricultural duties, the 

 people of this region are much given to hunting with nets, and 

 though there was nothing on the gigantic scale of the famous 

 hopo of the Bakwains, there was certainly abundant opportunity 

 for the employment of all their skill and courage. Indeed the 

 country was literally overrun with the monsters of the forest, 

 and we can hardly credit the accounts of the indifferent impudence 

 with which they stalk about the abodes of men. 



Two days passed and the Mazitu not making their appearance 

 Livingstone led his party on towards Kanyenje. The scenery 

 is described as being very lovely — as most of the mountain 

 scenery of the country is. Over the ruggedness a beautiful carpet 

 of green hung gracefully as could be, and lofty trees standing 

 proudly on summits and in gorges regulated the configuration 

 of the range with wave-like symmetry. These large trees were 

 more numerous than they were nearer Lake Nyassa. Frequently 

 along this route, following as they did the highlands, the party 

 crossed the little streams which had sources in the neighborhood 

 flowing in the direction of the lake. 



