CDAT. XXI. MISCONDUCT OF SLAVES. 27 ( J 



ceremonies, and its head thrown into the nearest stream. A 

 native sometimes gets intoxicated on these occasions, and will 

 justify his misconduct by pleading, " Why ! my mother is 

 dead ! " The expenses of funerals are so heavy that years 

 often elapse before they are defrayed. 



The people are said to be very litigious, and constant 

 disputes take place respecting their lands. A case came 

 before the weekly court of the Commandant, involving pro- 

 perty in a palm-tree worth two pence. The judge advised 

 the pursuer to withdraw the case, as the expenses would much 

 exceed the value of the tree. " no," said he ; "I have a 

 piece of calico with me for the clerk, and money for yourself. 

 It's my right, I will not forego it." The calico itself cost 

 three or four shillings. It is quite a triumph to be able to 

 say of an enemy, " I took him before the court." 



My host Mr. Canto, the Commandant, having been seized 

 with fever in a severe form, I had an opportunity of observing 

 some of the workings of slavery. When a master is ill the 

 slaves run riot among the eatables. I did not know this 

 until I observed that every time the sugar-basin came to the 

 table it was emptied. On visiting my patient by night 1 

 unexpectedly came upon the washerwoman eating pine-apples 

 and sugar. All the sweetmeats were devoured, and it was 

 difficult for me to get even bread and butter until I took the 

 precaution of locking the pantry door. Upon this they took 

 to killing the fowls and goats, and, when the animal was dead, 

 brought it to me, saying, " We found this thing lying out 

 there," and then enjoyed a good feast of meat. A feeling 

 of insecurity prevails throughout this country : it is quite 

 common to furnish visitors with the keys of their rooms, and 

 on going down to breakfast or dinner each locks his door and 

 puts the key in his pocket. At Kolobeng, where slavery is 

 unknown, we never locked our doors night or day for months 

 together. The Portuguese do not seem at all bigoted in their 

 attachment to slavery, nor yet in their prejudices against 

 colour. Mr. Canto gave an entertainment in order to draw all 

 classes together and promote general good will. Two sovas 

 were present, and took their places without the least appear- 

 ance of embarrassment. One of them appeared in the dress of 

 a general, the other in a red coat profusely ornamented with 



