CAFFER SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT. 255 



of these they are particularly proud. Copper 

 and iron ore are found in the mountains, and speci- 

 mens of silver and platina have been occasionally 

 discovered. The country altogether bears in many 

 particulars a strong resemblance to that described 

 by the Sacred historian : — (( A land of brooks of 

 water, of fountains and depths that spring out of 

 valleys and hills ; a land whose stones are iron, and 

 out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass." 



The form of government in a CafFer tribe, or 

 rather collection of tribes, resembles the feudal sys- 

 tem of the middle ages. The Chief has respect 

 shown to him on account of his rank, but his real 

 power depends more upon his talents and the 

 strength of the clan which is especially attached to 

 his family. The subordinate Chiefs make war upon 

 each other, and unless one of them appeals to the 

 " Umkumkani," no notice is taken of their quarrels, 

 but they are allowed to settle their differences 

 amongst themselves. 



The Umkumkani is usually a lineal descendant 

 from the first great patriarchal chieftain of the tribe, 

 and the title of Inkose enkulu is enjoyed exclusively 

 by himself: all his male descendants are called Inkosi 

 by birthright ; but their power depends in a great 

 degree upon their popularity, the people being at 

 liberty to attach themselves to whichsoever of the 

 sons their inclination may lead them to prefer. The 

 eldest son does not always succeed to the authority 



