172 Proceedings of Boyal Society of Eclinhiirgli. [sess. 
beings are sacrificed to propitiate the favour of the invisible powers 
and to ensure happiness. These immolations are not, however, 
distinguished by any particular display. Ordinary business is 
suspended for three days, and the rites of the new moon are per- 
formed inside the palace by the sacrificing of some victim of pro- 
pitiation, and by killing out of doors, in the direction in which they 
Avish to frighten aAvay the evil eye, a variable number of individuals. 
They kill bulls on the king’s tomb monthly as a sacrifice, and human 
victims are often added to them.” 
Should the king or any member of the royal family be ill, human 
sacrifices, according to Casati, play an important part in their treat- 
ment. 
It is a mark of high distinction and of great trust to be admitted 
to the ceremony of the milk. The members of the royal family and 
the great chiefs do not enjoy such an honour. The performance of 
heroic deeds in war, unalterable fidelity to the king, and, still more, 
being in sympathy to him, are reasons which may admit men to 
this highest of all distinctions in the kingdom. Night having fallen 
and the king’s tables being set, those invited to the ceremony enter 
the grand hall of the royal mansion, the drums beat, the fifes whistle 
the royal march, the king takes a vase full of milk, and then passes 
it to those present, Avho in turn drink also. When the ceremony is 
finished, the doors are opened and the friends of the great men are 
admitted to the daily entertainment of getting intoxicated on 
copious libations, the king setting the example. 
Even in Kamrasi’s time, as Baker mentions, the king’s throne, 
composed partly of copper, partly of Avood, was said to have been 
handed down for many generations, and was considered to be a 
talisman, as also was an ancient drum which was greatly reverenced. 
These tAvo articles Avere jealously guarded by special soldiers and 
seldom used. It was said that should the throne be lost or stolen 
the authority of the king would wane. 
In Unyoro the king is the great rain-maker, but he compels his 
subjects to make him large presents in seasons of drought. 
The natives of Unyoro have a great dread of the snowclad 
Buwenzori. The people believe that its mysteries are guarded by 
demons who would prevent travellers from penetrating its recesses 
or ascending its higher peaks. 
