SOUTHERN AFRICA. 
the women possess a much larger share of beauty. 
They are also more industrious and civiHzed, con- 
struct their houses with greater skill, and culti- 
vate agriculture with much more diligence. The 
tending of cattle, however, is their main employ- 
ment, and some of the rich possess from eight to 
ten separate herds. The men carry on this branch 
of industry, while the cares of agriculture devolve 
entirely upon the females. They share, however, 
with the KafFres, the entire rejection of fish as an 
article of food, though several of their rivers pro- 
duce it of excellent quality. The most barbarous 
custom is that of their war feasts, held on their 
return from any military expedition. Each war- 
rior, who has slain an enemy in battle, produces 
a piece of his flesh, which he has cut off, roasts, 
and eats it. The priest then makes an incision 
along the whole length of his thigh, the scar of 
which remains ever after as a testimony of his 
prowess. 
The sovereign in these tribes is very absolute, 
and treated by the subjects with marks of profound 
reverence. He seldom, however, undertakes any 
affair of importance without calling a council of 
the chief men ; nor does he, unless invited, inter- 
fere in the private quarrels between individuals, 
though they should fight with, or even kill one 
another. When he is called in to decide, his 
