LIBRARY 



MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AR 

 318-A STREET, NORTHEAS' 

 WASKi; , d.C. 200CS 



CAFFER GUIDE. 55 



that the operation is invariably performed according to 

 the prescribed form of the Mosaic law ; and as it must 

 be undergone by the children before they can reside 

 at the village of their Chief, its consummation at an 

 early age is much desired by their parents and rela- 

 tions. Their dress during this seclusion, which ex- 

 tends to a period of two or three moons, is composed 

 of a long leafy kind of mat, which they coil round 

 their bodies with great dexterity, in the way of 

 exercise and amusement. 



While the dimness of evening was stealing around 

 our path, passing a narrow winding track through 

 a deep and shady glen, absorbed in silent admira- 

 tion of the scene, the CafFer guide came suddenly 

 up, requesting, in an under tone, and with an air 

 of mysterious importance, that I would take this 

 opportunity of requiting him for his services. On 

 my expressing surprise at this abrupt application, 

 and desiring him to wait until we had reached the 

 end of our journey, he explained his motive for 

 making so unseasonable a request, by stating that 

 we were now approaching the kraal of his Chief 

 who would be sure to deprive him of the greater 

 portion, if the remuneration was bestowed in his 

 sight. I therefore complied most readily with his 

 wishes, for I had found him exceedingly useful and 

 intelligent on the route. 



Our return to the residence of Botuman was hailed 

 on his part with the same cordiality which he had 



