of Edinhurgli, Session 1883-84. 
337 
any great trouble, through illness or bereavement, their friends and 
neighbours come together and a lamb is killed ; this is thought to 
avert further evil. The same custom prevails at the grave of de- 
parted friends, and also on joyful occasions, such as the return of a 
son home after a very prolonged absence. 
Harvest Feasts . — A harvest feast is held as soon as the corn has 
been reaped and placed on the “ langas ” to dry. It is then too that 
the general holiday time commences ; there is very little work done 
from this period until the rains begin, hunting, dancing, and fighting 
occupying the interval. 
The harvest feast is held in each village, and is only attended by 
the inhabitants of the place. It takes place on the open space 
which is usually found in the centre of the village. At the con- 
clusion of the feast speeches are made. It appears that one man 
presides, and after an opening speech by this president, women as 
well as men address the company. The old people are listened to 
with great respect, and give advice to the young. The belle of the 
village is reserved to make the last speech, after which all disperse. 
The enthusiasm evoked by a favourite orator or palatable senti- 
ment is expressed by clapping of hands ; but weariness or impatience 
is merely shown by sullen looks, only those who are rude covering 
their faces with their hands. 
Music . — The Madis are very fond of music, and have several 
kinds of musical instruments — drums, harps, horns, and flutes. 
There are large and small drums. The small ones are made out 
of a tree, the trunk of which is more than a foot in diameter, and 
their length varies from 2 to 3|- feet. The block of wood is either 
hollowed out by fire, or more rarely by the knife. Pithon or goat 
skin is usually fixed over one end by means of wooden pegs. 
Sometimes, however, both ends are covered, and then the skins 
are caught together by long laces of hide. The larger drums are 
very different both as regards size and shape. Logs of wood about 
12 feet long are hollowed out, and placed on four wooden legs, four 
handles also being cut out of the wood (see fig. 13). A narrow 
opening is left along the under surface of the block, and not covered 
in. The drum is beaten by large sticks, having a somewhat globular 
end. All drums are well warmed before use, and near the larger 
one a fire is kept burning during its use. 
