52 The Granite Pillar of Kinsembo . 
are locked up in pairs for two or three months out 
of the sight of man, bathing several times a day, 
and applying “ taculla,” the moistened dust of a 
red wood ; without this “ casket of water ” or “ of 
lire,” as they call it, barrenness would be their lot. 
After betrothal the bride was painted red by the 
“ man-witch ” for one month, to declare her engage¬ 
ment, and the mask was washed off before nuptials. 
Hence the “ Paint House” was a very abomina¬ 
tion to the good Fathers. Amongst the Timni 
tribe, near Sierra Leone, the Semo, or initiation for 
girls, begins with a great dance, called Colungee 
(Kolangl), and the bride is “ instructed formally 
in such circumstances as most immediately concern 
women.” 
After halting for half an hour, ringed by a fence 
of blacks, we were summoned to the presence, 
where we found a small boy backed by a semi¬ 
circle of elders, and adorned with an old livery 
coat, made for a full-grown “ Jeaines.” With im¬ 
mense dignity, and without deigning to look at us, 
he extended a small black paw like a Chimpanzees, 
and received in return a promise of rum—the sole 
cause of our detention. And, as we departed 
through the euphorbia avenue, we were followed 
by the fastest trotters, the Flora Temples and the 
Ethan Allens, of the village. 
Beyond Kilwanika the land became rougher 
and drier, whilst the swamps between the ground- 
