WESTEKN AFRICA 
in iny humble opinion, nothing more than 
administering to others 5 wants ; and is a 
duty similar to that of clothing the naked 
or feeding the hungry. 
In warm, dusty countries where the peo- 
ple seldom have clothes upon the legs below 
the knees, and at best nothing but sandals 
on their feet, washing the feet often, and 
especially after traveling, is conducive to 
both health and comfort. Washing feet in 
cold water also quenches thirst, and washing 
the whole body does it more effectually. I 
tested this several times when unable to 
quench my thirst by drinking alone. 
Their method of expressing grief and 
sorrow is ancient. When in great grief or 
trouble they put on the coarsest clothes they 
have, throw ashes and dirt upon themselves, 
dishevel their hair, and smite upon their 
breasts. When mourning for the dead with 
their mourning habiliments upon them, and 
their hair on end, wringing their hands and 
smiting upon their breasts, they look like 
a bundle of misery most ungracefully put 
together (whether so in heart does not 
always appear)* 
