202 



FAUNA. 



that it kills men with its breath. Scorpions are 

 small, and not so common as in the interior : 

 the animal is mashed and applied as a poultice 

 to its own wound, which may derive some benefit 

 from the moisture. Centipedes haunt houses 

 that are not cleaned and whitewashed, and milli- 

 pedes abound in every plantation. 



The fish supply is variable 1 as the climate. 

 Sometimes it is excellent; at other times none 

 but the poorest will eat it, and there are many 

 species considered always poisonous. 2 It is most 

 abundant in the S. West monsoon, when small 

 fry may be caught in the still waters of the har- 

 bour. Sharks are large and numerous, especially 

 near Chumbi (La Passe) Island, where all the 

 best fish is netted ; but these tigers of the sea do 

 not injure the bathers on the beach. Though 

 the shark is easily hooked in the very harbour, 

 many cargoes of its salted meat are annually 

 imported from Oman. The liver-oil is used to 

 anoint the body : and when Europe requires a 



1 I have not seen the ' Fishes of Zanzibar,' published in 

 1867 by Lieut.-Col. Playfair, H.M.'s Consul, and Dr Giinther 

 (Van Voorst, 1, Paternoster Bow). 



2 The eel-shaped fishes with green bones have the reputa- 

 tion of causing stomach-pains and vomiting. I may observe 

 that the Oriental mind readily connects venom and verdant 

 colours. 



