MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 
into classes, The oldest class of those who were 
circumcised at the same time, flog those who 
were circmncised at the period immediately- 
after them ; and these again do the same to such 
as were circumcised subsequently ; and thus it 
descends till it comes to those of the youngest 
class, or the last period. 
CUSTOMS, SUPERSTITIONS, &c. 
Fish being reckoned unclean, the Bootchuanas 
will not eat them. Neither the hook-thorn nor 
the milk-tree must be cut down while the corn 
is on the ground, for this they think would prevent 
rain. When I was at Lattakoo, though Mr. 
Hamilton stood in much need of some milk-tree 
timber, he durst not supply himself till all the 
corn was gathered in. Though their cattle-kraals 
or inclosures be sometimes two or three feet deep 
of hard manure, they will not allow the Mis- 
sionaries to take any of it for enriching their 
fields or gardens, lest it should cause disease ; 
but all that is loose and scattered they are at 
liberty to take when they please. 
Should any morning previous to December be 
cloudy, no one must commence a journey, nor do 
any work in the fields, lest working should pre- 
vent rain. However, the women sometimes go 
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