274 SOUTHERN AFRICA. 
The effect of the poison is, of course, soon 
made manifest by the chief and his household, 
and his cattle also become violently sick, per- 
haps one or two of the weakest among them 
dying ; or, what is regarded as equally unim- 
portant, a " picanini" or two from his young 
nursery being added to the number. 
Search is immediately made for the " witch- 
doctor, " as of course it is at once conclusively 
seen that "somebody has bewitched the chief." 
This is a crime of high treason, and one always 
visited by capital punishment ; the greatest ex- 
citement then prevails to see who is to be 
" smelt out " as the delinquent. 
On the arrival of the "JEsculapim" his first 
care is to alleviate the sufferings of the be- 
witched ; and, with every expression of concern 
and outward demonstrations of alarm, lest the 
life of his chief should be sacrificed through 
the malignity of the dose of witchery which he 
has unfortunately swallowed, he hurries about, 
officiously preparing medicines, and administer- 
ing remedies to man, women, children, and 
cattle alike. His consummate skill seldom fails 
in effecting a speedy cure, and then, all appre- 
hension as to the mischief spreading further, 
being allayed, he next appoints a day for the 
ceremonial of " smelling out the witch." Great 
preparations are made for this solemn ordeal. 
