762 Proceedings of the Royal Society 
indirect evidence seems to prove that they do not think that death 
means annihilation, hut have an idea that a man’s life influences a 
future state, and that the departed can exert an influence on men 
and events. At least many of their traditions go to prove the pre- 
valence of this belief, and several of their ancient kings are said to 
be more or less powerful spirits, who are engaged in watching with 
interest the actions of their descendants, and are able to overrule 
the fate of those who honour their memory and make periodical 
offerings at their graves. 
The Waganda have no images or outward symbols of their gods, 
but they hold that the world was created by the great Spirit 
Katonda, who is said to have been well pleased with his work, 
but to be far too mighty to takemny personal interest in the world 
he has made. They therefore do not worship him, but offer their 
gifts to the lesser gods or demons to whom he relinquished the rule of 
the world. At least one of these is supposed to be able to depute 
his power to mortals, namely, Mugasa, the god of the lake. He is 
a kind of Neptune, and lives in and rules over the Victoria Nyanza. 
Occasionally he is believed to take up his abode either in a man 
or woman, who is greatly feared and respected by both king, chiefs, 
and common people, and is from time to time consulted by them. 
This oracle can order or prevent war; a word from it is supposed to 
cure sickness or prevent it, and it has the power of withholding rain 
or causing famine. Large presents must be given to the person 
who is supposed to be the incorporation of this spirit whenever 
advice is asked. Before the Waganda venture to undertake a 
voyage on the lake they place some food on a paddle, and say a 
short prayer, asking for protection on the way and a safe return ; 
they then throw the fruit into the lake, and start on their journey. 
The god to whom is ascribed the power over smallpox, Ndaula,* is 
another much-feared spirit, who is said to live on the snow-clad 
summit of Mount Gambaragara. There is also a thunder spirit, 
to whom are erected arches or else little huts over every place that 
has been struck by lightning (which is very much dreaded), and 
strangers are forbidden to approach near them. When, however, the 
huts fall to pieces they are not rebuilt. In several places river deities 
are supposed to live, and should the king or one of the three hereditary 
* This god is supposed to be identical with the former king of Uganda. 
