of Edinburgh, Session 1883 - 84 . 
317 
As regards distance, they carry loads of 50 lbs. 20 miles a day, 
for eight or ten consecutive days without showing signs of distress ; 
hut on the march they appear to require a great deal of water, and 
will sooner burden themselves with a gourd full than go without it 
for more than two hours at a time. If they go by a road where 
water is scarce, they generally take a few women or children with 
them to carry it. When they arrive at a stream, all loads are put 
down, and they bathe if the water is deep, or sit down and wash 
themselves if it he shallow, and then take a long drink. Europeans 
would probably prefer to drink first I 
The Madis can scarcely ever he prevailed upon to march at night, 
even in bright moonlight, on account of had roads, which is strange, 
as their eyesight is remarkably good. JSTeither will they start until 
the dew has disappeared from off the grass, or if made to do so by 
promises of reward they tie hunches of grass or skins before them, 
to avoid as much as possible being wet by the dew. In crossing a 
river of four or five feet deep, they stand in the water in a double 
row, and hand the loads from one to the other. Should the stream 
be very strong, they break down branches which have broad forks, 
and placing one end firmly in the bed of the stream, lean against 
the fork, and so get the needed support. 
They march at a quick pace, but generally halt for 10 or 20 
minutes after each three or four miles. Should heavy rain come on 
they like to stop and shelter themselves and their loads under quickly 
improvised shelters. 
In carrying the Egyptian post these men make long and quick 
marches, 60 or 70 miles often being accomplished in twenty-four 
hours. 
Pathology . — The Madis are a healthy race, and do not suffer very 
much sickness. Coughs occur during and after the rains, but very 
few people die of pulmonary complaints. 
There are male and female doctors, but the males confine their 
practice to wounds, accidents, and snake bites, and do not receive 
payment, but have their food given to them when they are attending 
a case. 
Wounds of the extremities heal very quickly. They are washed 
and covered up with a paste made from the roots of shrubs, ground 
and mixed with a little cold water. Scalp wounds give more trouble, 
