276 Wanderings in Eastern Africa, 
on but a small piece of rag, in size less than a child's 
pocket-handkerchief, worn as an apron. The men 
wear loin cloths, but we saw many in kilts of ukindu, 
(brab) grass, and plantain leaves. 
They are agriculturists and huntsmen. They culti- 
vate Indian corn, rice, tobacco, bananas, etc., and they 
hunt the hippopotamus, buffalo, elephant, and other 
animals. They do a little trade, transporting grain, 
ivory, etc., to the coast, in exchange for cloth, wire, and 
beads. Some of them told us that they do not hunt so 
much as they would otherwise do, on account of the 
exactions of the Gallas, to whom they are tributary. 
They say that after their masters have taken what they 
deem to be their right, there is so little left that it does 
not pay for the trouble and cost of hunting and carriage. 
Naturally unwilling therefore that others should reap 
the rewards of their toil, they lay the spear aside, and 
seek profit in other ways. 
The Wapokomo are not warriors ; they have not 
spirit enough for this. Galling as it must be to them 
to be subject to the Gallas, they do not seem to 
entertain the least idea of a struggle for independence. 
They complain of the Gallas, call them the worst of 
men, but resistance does not appear to enter their 
minds. They do not like to be trod upon, yet they 
are content to lie down at their masters' feet. 
Strange as it may seem, they are almost without 
arms. The only weapon they have is a long unwieldy 
spear, which is used in hunting, but more often as a 
paddle at the head of their canoes. Doubtless the 
primary object for which they take it with them is 
that of self-defence. The Tana is infested with 
hippopotami, crocodiles, etc., so that it is necessary to 
