HOME LIFE OF THE AFRICAN. 
107 
it, leaning far forward to lessen the direct traction over her fore¬ 
head. With that daily bending the child would become deformed 
were it not counteracted by the carrying at other times of a log 
of firewood or some lighter bundle on her head. 
BOY SHOOTING BIRDS. 
This agile feat is impossible unless the bearer walks most 
gracefully erect. By this constant association with older women, 
the young girl soon ceases to be a young girl in thought. She passes 
by one leap, from childhood to womanhood. 
Around the clay-floor kitchen fire, or along the plantation bath, 
she hears and takes part in the general gossip. Before becoming 
