16 SOME PECULIAR PAPUAN CUSTOMS. 



nettle (Kamari ?) in order they said to stimulate themselves, 

 and give quicker action to the blood, and the same after a time 

 gives them a most soothing effect, which enables them to carry on 

 their work. 



It is also done I understand for anyone suffering from back- 

 ache, when the back is beaten with the nettle, until it sometimes 

 bleeds. 



W. R. Humphreys, f.r.g.s., 



Lieut. R. F. A. 



Appendix II. 



Giraldus Oambrensis states that the Roman nettle Frtica pilu- 

 lifera was introduced into Great Britain by the Romans under 

 Julius Caesar. The soldiers brought some seed of it and sowed it 

 at Romney for their use to rub and chafe their limbs when through 

 extreme cold they should be stiff and benumbed, being told before 

 they came from home that the climate of Britain was so cold that 

 it was not to be endured without some friction to warm their blood. 

 I cannot get any confirmation of this from any of the Greek and 

 Latin authors, but it seems to be a parallel to the accounts of 

 Miss Gibbs and Lieut. Humphreys, as to the use of urtication for 

 relieving chill and stiffness in the limbs. 



H. X. Ridley. 



Tour. Straits Branch 



