In Afric’s Forest and Jungle 
absent from the compound the women frequently 
declined to hear me, but generally they would 
consent to quit work a little while and listen to 
me. When, however, 1 would begin to talk, 
they, too, would begin. After a few minutes 
one of them would try to explain to the other 
what 1 was saying, and they would all chatter 
together like a flock of magpies. At first, I did 
not know what to do, but after I understood 
their habits better 1 would quietly but firmly tell 
them that if they wished me to talk they must 
be silent. After this they would interrupt me 
now and then with exclamations only. 
Their priests take tribute from all of them, 
and until they understood that we would not 
accept a present, they always offered one when I 
visited them. This was often some cola-nuts, 
presented in their best dish with much ceremony. 
These are so highly esteemed among them that 
they have a proverb which says, “Anger draws 
arrows from the quiver; good words draw cola- 
nuts from the bag.” 
Polygamy not only destroys that unity which 
is essential to a home, but also undermines all 
domestic affection. When my wife was very ill 
on one occasion, a visitor expressed great sur¬ 
prise because 1 was so much concerned about the 
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