62 Wanderings in Eastern Africa. 
slaves who can scarcely procure food, to say nothing 
of fine coloured dresses and silver ornaments. These 
have to be content with rags ! 
A few words regarding the occupations and industry 
of these people. 
Agriculture is one of their chief pursuits. Every 
man, of any position, has his shamba, or plantation, 
whence he derives his chief support. The labour is 
done by slaves, male and female, the latter being by 
far the most numerous. The method of cultivation is 
of the most primitive kind. The plough is altogether 
unknown. Their only implements are the axe, 
(kitoka,) the munda (bill-hook), and the jembe, a 
short-handled hoe. The bush is cut off short, by 
axe and bill-hook, but the larger trees are burnt down, 
eradication being never attempted. The whole is 
cleared by fire. The soil is then just scratched by the 
hoe, and the seed is dropped in. One plot is culti- 
vated till it becomes exhausted ; it is then planted in 
cassada, or left to run into wilderness, so to recover it- 
self, while another spot is selected, and worked in the 
same way. 
The Wasuahili keep a little live stock, such as cows, 
3heep, goats, fowls, etc., but not enough to supply 
their own consumption, and they have consequently to 
obtain supplies of this kind from the surrounding 
countries. A considerable number of men and boys 
are devoted to fishing and to the other engagements 
of the sea. As has been already pointed out, a great 
deal of trade is carried on from all parts of the coast 
with the natives of the interior, and in this trade a good 
number of the males are engaged. 
The various kinds of handicraft occupy a large 
