of Edinburgh , Session 1885 - 86 . 
759 
and calico ; in order to get enough of the latter commodity, all 
the chiefs are compelled to contribute largely, and all merchants or 
strangers who may happen to be in the country are expected to give 
presents. On the top of these cloths the coffin is placed, and is 
surrounded and covered by other layers of the same materials. Earth 
is then piled over them, and a hut is erected over the spot, and 
enclosed in a strong fence made of tiger grass. When all is completed, 
a sacrifice of many hundred slaves is offered. From time to time 
these huts are renewed, and a fresh sacrifice is then made, the victims 
being always beheaded. When a slave dies he is simply thrown out 
into the jungle. Most women are buried without any ceremony 
whatever. 
Superstitions . — The Waganda are excessively superstitious, and a 
thorough examination of their superstitions would, I am convinced, 
reveal much that is curious and interesting. I am not able to do 
full justice to this theme, as a long residence in a country is 
necessary to enable one to collect any save the most superficial 
information. The W 7 aganda lay great weight on dreams; they 
imagine that in them future events are depicted, that impending 
evil may be avoided by attention to nocturnal warnings, and that the 
names or faces of those who would do them harm are revealed with 
unerring accuracy in the night watches. Consequently their daily 
life is influenced by these dreams, but, notwithstanding this, they 
are not, save under exceptional circumstances, very superstitious of 
their neighbours. They appear to think that harm is more likely to 
accrue to them from the numerous sprites which inhabit the trees or 
bask on the banks of the streams, or from the denizens of the sun, 
the moon, and the stars. The demons, who are supposed to dwell on 
the opposite side of the lake, are believed to have the power of 
spiriting away Waganda; and should any one be lost in an un- 
explained manner, they say that the demons have carried him off. 
Some animals too are supposed to have an evil character, others to 
possess virtues for guarding and directing men. There are numerous 
stories in which animals play a leading part, by either aiding or 
punishing men. Thunder and lightning may be said to be wor- 
shipped, and most diseases are referred to some deity or demon. 
If going on a journey or even for a walk, it is considered unlucky 
to turn back for any article; the W r aganda also return by a 
