RELIGIOUS FEELING. 
121 
various instruments of iron just in the state ho left them. 
One looks like the guard of a baskot-hiltcd sword ; another 
has an upright stem of tho metal, on which aro placed 
branches worked at the ends into miniature axes, hoes, and 
epears ; on these ho was accustomed to present offerings, 
according as ho dosired favors to be conferred in undertak- 
ing hewing, agriculture, or fighting. The peoplo still living 
there, in charge of these articles, were supported by presents 
from tho chief; and the Makololo sometimes follow the ex- 
ample. This was the nearest approach to a priesthood 1 
met. Whon I asked them to part with one of these relics, 
they replied, “ Oh, no : ho refuses.” “ Who refuses V “San- 
turu,” was their reply, showing their belief in a future state 
of existence. After explaining to them, as I always did 
when opportunity offorod, tho nature of truo worship, and 
praying with them in the simplo form which needs no 
offering from the worshipper except that of the heart, and 
planting some fruit-tree seeds in the grove, we departod. 
Another incidont, which occurred at tho confluence of 
the Leeba and Lcoambyo, may be mentioned here, as show- 
ing a more vivid perception of the existence of spiritual 
beings, and greater prononcss to worship, than among tho 
Bechuanas. Having taken lunar observations in tho morn- 
ing, I was waiting for a meridian altitude of tho sun for 
the latitude; my chief boatman was sitting by, in order to 
pack up tho instruments as soon as I had finished; there 
was a large halo, about 20° in diameter, round tho sun; 
thinking that tho humidity of the atmosphere, which this 
indicated, might betoken rain, 1 asked him if his experience 
did not lead him to tho samo view. “Oh, no," replied he; 
“it is tho Barimo, [gods or departed spirits,] who have 
tailed a picho ; don’t you see thoy have the Lord [sun] in 
the centro ?” 
While still at Naliele, I walked out to Katongo, (lat. 15° 
It? 33",) on the ridge which bounds tho valley of tho Barotse 
in that direction, and found it covered with trees. It is 
only the commencement of the lands which are never 
11 
