KAFFIR WITCHCRAFT. 275 
An extensive gathering of the tribe is convened, 
and oxen are slaughtered, and devoured in' the 
revolting manner (before described) in which 
this is always performed. 
The cattle are all removed from the interior 
of their "kraal" or enclosure, in the centre of 
which an immense fire is lighted. Around this 
the tribes assemble, and sit in rings in mute 
silence and expectancy ; whilst large baskets, 
full of bullocks' blood hot from the animals' 
veins, are passed round and drank off in silence. 
As night approaches (for their deeds of dark- 
ness are always, by choice as well as by instinct, 
performed " in the night-season") the " doctor" 
appears in the ring, quite naked, except a few 
tigers tails as a fringe round his loins. A low 
solemn chant is then raised by the women; 
whilst several old crones, placed in the rear 
with sticks, and ox hides stretched upon frames, 
beat time to the singing. The cadences of this 
are first very slow, but gradually increase, 
whilst the " doctor" leaps and dances, and 
shouts in the wildest, and most demoniacal 
manner. The lurid glare of the fire; the 
pitchy darkness of the surrounding night ; (the 
time chosen usually being at the new moon, 
and in the darkest weather,) together with the 
glaring eyes, inflamed countenances, and ex- 
cited frames of the swarthy community, and 
t 2 
