KAEERARIAN MEDICINES. 
229 
in the flesh, and forcing out the blood more 
effectually and profusely, than a European 
surgeon does by his regular cupping glass 
and lancets. 
Their knowledge of the medicinal properties 
of the various trees, plants, and roots, which 
grow in their country is very extensive. 
The juice of the various species of the eu- 
phorbia they use as blisters, puncturing the 
skin with the point of an "assegai" and then 
rubbing in the juice; which, producing a kind of 
open running ulcer, answers the purpose of an 
English blister. 
Aloes again they use largely, and the leaves 
and roots of several aromatic shrubs they em- 
ploy as restoratives, in cases of exhaustion. 
Their wonderful effect we can vouch for, from 
personal experience. The author once fording 
the Great Kei river when swollen, in company 
with a Kaffir, was carried down the torrent, 
and with very great difficulty saved his own 
life and that of the horse, which rescue was 
mainly accomplished by the assistance of the 
Kaffir's presence of mind and activity. After 
the danger was past, and both man and beast 
lay on the opposite bank perfectly exhausted, 
his companion instantly disappeared in the 
bush, and, after searching for a few moments, 
returned with a quantity of leaves and bark 
