Chap. XXIV. LAUGH OF NATIVE WOMEN. 503 



We liked Chinsaniba very well, and found that lie was 

 decidedly opposed to our risking our lives by going further 

 to the 1ST.W. The Mazitu were believed to occupy all the 

 hills in -that direction, so we spent the 4th September with 

 him. His district, called Mosapo, is undulating, with some 

 conical hills, but the haze only permitted us to see short 

 distances. The grass was now all yellow, and some black 

 patches showed where it had been burned off. The tall 

 trees were bare except on the banks of the Lintipe 

 which runs here in a deep rocky channel. Where we for- 

 merly crossed it, at the Lake, it was still and deep, and a 

 hippopotamus played in one of its reaches. A thick grove 

 stood at the stockade in which we lived, and our men shot 

 many guinea-fowls in it. The women and children were 

 seen constantly bathing in the stream, and the men did 

 not approach, until they had asked leave to pass. We 

 have frequently observed that the Manganja women are 

 very particular in avoiding any spot where men are sup- 

 posed to be washing, and it is only the chance of a first 

 sight of the white skin that makes them at times forget 

 their good manners. The laugh of the women is brimful of 

 mirth. It is no simpering smile, nor senseless loud guffaw ; 

 but a merry ringing laugh, the sound of which does one's 

 heart good. One begins with Ha, Hee, then comes the 

 chorus in which all join, Hae'ee' ! and they end by slapping 

 then- hands together, giving the spectator the idea of great 

 heartiness. When first introduced to a Chief, if we have 

 observed a joyous twinkle of the eye accompanying his 

 laugh, we have always set him down as a good fellow, and 

 we have never been disappointed in him afterwards. 



It is rather a minute thing to mention, and it will only be 

 understood by those who have children of their own, but the 

 cries of the little ones, in their infant sorrows, are the same 



