The arrows are generally poisoned, and those of the Manganyas and Ayawas (nations between Lake Nyassa and the Zambesi, belonging to the Makna) are so arranged that the cane shaft to which the poisoned point is attached falls off after wounding (64 89, fig. 4). The bow of the Maravi on the Zambesi is odd: by a broadening of its two ends it is made to serve also as a shield (p1. 86, fig. 9), but it is little qualified for this purpose.
The shields of the Caffirs are large, round, and made of ox-skin, which is sewed to a wooden frame (p1. 85, figs. 6, 9); those of the Bet chuanas are oddly curved; and both of these tribes decorate their shields with fur ornaments, which often project (pl. 84, fig. 6); in some districts —for instance, with the Hereros—shields are not in use.
Hunting and and arrows are generally used in hunt ing. At Sena, on the lower Zambesi, a peculiar harpoon is employed for the capture of the hippopotamus: when the barbed point has struck the animal, the shaft, which is fastened to the point by a long cord, is detached and floats on the water, thus indicating the precise location of the wounded animal (p1. 86, fig. 13). All the Bantu nations are skilful in tanning and preparing skins, and are able hunters, both in direct attack upon dangerous animals—lions, hippopotami, buffaloes, etc.—and in the use of crafty stratagems. They use pits in which to capture the large animals. At present firearms are almost everywhere used for hunting and in war. Fishing is also extensively carried on with fish-baskets of various kinds (pl. 86, fig. 5), and on Lake Nyassa with hand-nets (p1. 86, fig. ro) seven feet long; however, many nations eat no fish.
Agriculture and the southern tribes fanning is wholly left to the women; among the Basuto the men also take part (pl. 84, fig. 7), and among other tribes—for instance, the Manganyas, the Hereros, and the Ovampo--men and women labor together. The chief farming implement is a peculiar hoe with a long handle (pl. 84, figs. 4, 7; pl. 88, fig. 16); the Manganyas, however, have hoes with short handles (pi. 86, fig. 6); and other tools are found, as along the western coast some with two handles, so that they can be used with both hands. The soil is cleared negligently and fertilized with vegetable ashes, more rarely (among the Ovampo) with dung; and when it has been slightly scratched the sowers scatter the seed, which others, following in a long row, hoe in (p1. 84, fig. 7). Their fanning is primitive, but they exhibit some skill
in the details.
The Batoka plant trees; the Caffirs surround their fields with close thorn hedges, and have male or female field-watchers and several inven tions to keep away birds and other animals. In the south maize and doura are the principal products, and also beans, pumpkins, and various kinds of tobacco and dacha-hemp are raised; while in the north and east manioc, groundnuts (Arachis), yams, batatas, and cotton are cultivated. The harvested grain is taken home and threshed on day threshing-floors (pl. S3, fig. 2, the light-shaded enclosed field to the right), and is then preserved in the storerooms.
of the eastern nations raise cotton, spin it into a close yarn, and use it for weaving in the manner of the i\Ialagassies (fl. 9o, fig. 6). It seems that this art came to them from the Malagassies or some other eastern source.
ranks higher than farming, and is prin cipally the work of the men, although the women assist. The southern tribes and the Hercros have nothing more valuable than their cattle, for goats and sheep are rare. The Makololo arc especially skilful cattle raisers. Oxen are used for riding, for carrying loads, and for driving, the bridle being put into the pierced cartilage of the nose. The flesh is con sumed only on special occasions, but milk constitutes the principal article of food, adults preferring to use it after it becomes sour. It is kept in wooden vessels or in leather tubes.
Food and have already treated of the food of these nations (p. 314); it is broiled at the open fire or cooked in pots (fi. 9o, fig. 6); fire is kindled by friction OM 84, fig. 2). They have spoons and shovels with which the food is dished out and eaten (p1. 84, jigs. 12-14); the handles of these are often carved into figures of animals ( f1. 84, fig. 14). Intoxicating drinks arc much brewed, chiefly a kind of beer from doura malt, and in the east palm wine is made. The Bantu are to intoxication.