V 



TRAVELS IN EASTERN AFRICA 



i6i 



but of fair flavour. Their preparation of it was curious. 

 When dried, they tear it into small pieces and soak it 

 in water. They next knead it into a ball, and wrap it 

 up tightly, covering it with a banana leaf; then they 

 hang it up in their huts for several months, until it has 

 become quite dry. Its flavour is not disagreeable, but 

 owing to this method of treatment it is very strong. 

 One and all of the natives chewed tobacco, most took 

 snuff, and a few smoked pipes. Their pipes have 

 small stone or clay bowls, with long reed stems. 



After assembling, the natives took themselves off to 

 a shady spot, and again indulged in a long harangue. 

 Accompanied by Motio, I went to them, and said that 

 our patience had become exhausted ; that my men and 

 myself were actuated by the kindest impulses towards 

 the Wamsara, but that unless food was at once brought, 

 and the market opened, we should be forced to take 

 strong measures to supply ourselves with the neces- 

 saries for existence. While I was speaking, Lieutenant 

 von Hohnel was making his noon observation ; and 

 I took pains to explain to the people that Lieutenant 

 von Hohnel was a very great medicine-man ; that he 

 was then engaged in making a medicine which would 

 frustrate any evil intentions which the Wamsara might 

 have formed in regard to their treatment of us, and 

 that at the same time it would imbue my caravan with 

 such enormous strength that we should be absolutely 

 irresistible. I told them to think over the matter, 

 and come to a quick decision to bring food and open 

 market. 



rhey received these words with incredulity ; so after 

 reiterating my statement I returned to camp ; whereupon 



