72 
THE NEW AFRICA 
tan it after their manner. The skin is rolled np tightly with a 
layer of damped sand in its folds, and then tied up with bast, 
when it is struck a succession of heavy blows with a suitable 
bludgeon until it is quite soft. It is then covered with a thin 
layer of fat on the inside, and rubbed between the hands until it 
is as flexible as an ordinary blanket, though much more service¬ 
able, owing to its stoutness and texture, while the long, soft hair 
on the outside makes it a very pleasant addition to one’s bed¬ 
clothes, although for hygienic reasons we preferred to adopt those 
not already in use by the natives. 
