736 Proceedings of the Royal Society 
war the number of killed are deducted by the chiefs, and they return 
the pegs which represent the living to the king. The council of 
war consists of the king and a certain number of chiefs ; in fact, it 
is composed as is the national council (see Government). The whole 
country is divided into districts, and the head chief of the district 
is the commander of the soldiers living in it, and is responsible 
to the king and council for providing the requisite number of 
men. Under his command are sub-chiefs, who are responsible 
for the soldiers inhabiting different villages. War is declared by 
the king sitting in council, the big war drum being immediately 
beaten. As soon as its sound is heard all the chiefs who are present 
seize their walking sticks, and brandishing them on high execute a 
war dance before the king, swearing fealty to him, boasting of their 
own prowess, and of the terrible fate to which they will deliver their 
enemies. The king then distributes the war pegs to the chiefs, who 
immediately rush forth to collect their men. The soldiers residing 
near the capital gather next morning outside the palace attired for 
battle, dressed only in loin cloths, and their faces whitened with 
ashes to strike terror into the hearts of the enemy. Some are also 
smeared with red and black paint. The king stands outside the 
palace gate holding a shield and two copper spears, which may be 
only carried by the king and the principal chiefs. He is attended 
by his court. A war dance is then executed, the troops passing 
before the king, brandishing their spears, shouting and vowing 
vengeance on their foes. After this parade the chiefs in command 
of the army are assembled and receive their orders. Messengers are 
then sent to the troops at a distance telling them where the trysting 
place is to be. Several flags and war drums are entrusted to the 
keeping of the army, which then sets out on the march. 
The king is kept informed of the progress of the army by 
messengers, who wear a leopard skin cape as a sign of their office. 
I had several opportunities of seeing the Waganda both on the war- 
path and in actual fight, and was much surprised at the regularity 
and precision with which all their movements are carried out. On 
the march they send out skirmishers ; their front and flank are 
always well protected, and they use all the natural facilities of the 
land both for cover and for reconnoitring their foes. When 
camping at night the fires are made in hollows, and screened to pre- 
