210 
SOUTHERN AFRICA. 
it in its course. Taking an exact aim at the 
object against which they wish to throw, they 
then impel it forward with the Ml force of 
their powerful arms ; and seldom fail to strike 
surely. They do not poison them, and con- 
sequently their wounds are seldom fatal, except 
when they are inflicted by stabbing ; and then, 
as their strokes are generally aimed at some 
vital part of the body, and repeated two or 
three times, they are certain messengers of 
death. They usually carry six or seven of 
these assegais in their hand, holding them at 
the end of their handles, oyer their left shoul- 
ders ; they are thus very ornamental to their 
picturesque figures. 
The Kaffirs dwell in tribes, over each of which 
an " Ukumkani" or king, presides ; these being 
again sub-divided into petty-tribes, over each 
of which an " InJcose Inkuli" or petty chief, 
or, in the smaller ones, simply an " Inkose" 
or " captain of the kraal," bears sway. 
Their tribal government is very complete, 
and their obedience, and attachment to their 
chiefs, praiseworthy and striking in the extreme. 
In the subdivisions, of the various branches, 
or tribes, of the Kaffir family ; although often 
very numerous, they are always made in strict 
accordance with rule and order. And although, 
as a consequence of their number, the local 
