200 ADVENTURES OF AN ELEPHANT HUNTER ch. 
absorbed by skin and hair that it is neither sticky 
nor greasy. Her hair she washes once a month, 
using the leaves of a saponaceous plant instead of 
soap, which latter-day product the natives say 
dries up the hair and makes it turn grey. She 
cleans her teeth with a utensil which she fashions 
by chewing a twig of a saponaceous shrub until it is 
fibrous, and this natural but effective tooth-brush 
requires no dentifrice. In addition to the above 
care of her person, her food is wholesome and 
deliciously cooked, consisting of fish, vegetables, 
Hour-foods, fruit, and occasional fowls, and there are 
no afternoon teas to disturb her digestion and affect 
her nerves. She does not indulge in late and 
mysteriously cooked suppers, but retires to rest 
about two hours after sun-down and is up again at 
sunrise. Her clothing has the looseness that per¬ 
mits of perfect freedom of action, and in this respect 
she closely, if unconsciously, follows the Grecian 
ideal. A woman’s dress usually consists of two 
pieces of cloth (called kangas), which she winds 
gracefully about her person. All native women 
love jewellery, such as rings, bracelets, and neck¬ 
laces ; and silver ornaments form an excellent 
contrast to their dark skins. Both sexes are 
passionately fond of dancing. 
The physical endurance of the African native is 
great, and my carriers constantly carry loads 
