Geography and Ethnology again. 455 
ority of their stock, and they really have some very 
fine beasts, while for size and fatness their sheep and 
goats would certainly take the prize in an East 
African agricultural show. On account of the un- 
settled state of the country the flocks and herds are 
not pastured openly upon the hills — except now and 
then, all are stall-fed. The Wachaga do not keep 
fowls, and they speak of those useful domestic birds 
with contempt. 
The Wachaga are very able smiths, and they do a 
large trade with all the surrounding peoples in the 
articles they manufacture. Spears and swords ir 
various styles, their own and those of the Masai ; 
hoes, daggers, axes, knives, billhooks ; iron, brass, and 
copper chains ; a great variety of ornaments in the 
various metals ; bracelets, anklets, ear-rings, collars, 
finger and toe rings, etc., etc., all are turned out in a 
very creditable fashion. A double-linked chain I had 
in my possession took Mandara s eye, and the next 
day he brought me a capital imitation of it in copper. 
A swordstick also taking his fancy, he immediately 
went to work, and had one made like it, with a 
beautifully polished handle of hippopotamus' tooth, 
and perfectly fitting sheath, all complete. The forge 
and tools used by them are of the ordinary kind 
used in Africa, except that one or two of the latter 
were to me quite unique. 
Another branch of industry in which they excel, is 
that of making household utensils. Bowls, mugs, 
platters, trays, eating and drinking vessels in endless 
variety, are made of wood, carved out of solid blocks, 
always neatly finished, and in shape displaying great 
taste. They are also excellent tanners, curriers, and 
