NARRATIVE OF MEROLLA. 
121 
and much superior plan of his own invention. 
The persons suspected had been made to bend 
over a large vessel full of water ; when those who 
fell in had their heads struck off ; while such as 
maintained their equipoise, were declared inno- 
cent. The missionary, however, having treated 
this system with equal reprobation, it was re- 
nounced, and all the orders to administer it coun- 
termanded. 
Many other tests of this kind, are, it seems^ 
habitually employed by the magicians. One is 
afforded by passing a red hot iron across the leg 
of the accused person ^ when, if it produces its 
natural effect of burning the part, he is concluded 
guilty. At other times, a soft and clammy root 
is put into the mouth, when, if it adheres, the 
person is forthwith punished, if otherwise,- he is 
dismissed. Other trials are made by putting the 
arm of the accused into boihng water ; by mak- 
ing him drink water variously prepared ; or by 
applying snail shells to the temples j which, if 
they adhere, prove him to be guilty. Proofs are 
taken on a similar principle by the chiefs in the 
administration of justice. If two persons have n 
plea which is difficult to decide, a shell is placed 
on the head of each, and both are made to stoop ; 
when the party from off whose head the shell first 
drops has sentence immediately given against 
him. 
