Somaliland British ) HEALTH ; RACE AND LANGUAGE 9 reported from Hargeisa, but there seems to be some doubt about its identification . Epidemics of small-pox occurred in 1889, 1904-5 , and 1911-12, but it is not known how far they extended into the interior ; travellers do not mention this disease as being prevalent. Syphilis, which is common on the coast, is said to be penetrating inland. Wounds and fractures are treated with much success by the natives. The Ishak tribes are said to be more successful than the Darods in their use of medicines. In almost all diseases counter irritation plays an important part in the treatment.

On the coast , where the climate is less healthy and diseases are imported from trading vessels, there is a good deal more sickness. The most un. healthy times of the year are May and September, the months immediately preceding and following the period of the hot-weather karif winds ; the climate is at its best from November to February inclusive. Malaria, dysentery of a mild type, pneumonia, ulcers, and syphilis are the most common maladies. Cholera and beri-beri are both known, and epidemics of small -pox are not uncommon. Bubonic plague has not occurred . There are general hospitals at Berbera , Bulhar, and Zeila . The coast climate is not unhealthy for Euro peans ; they suffer chiefly from neurasthenia , general debility, and slight intermittent malaria .

(5) RACE AND LANGUAGE The Somalis probably came from Yemen and dis placed the Hamitic race of Gallas, amalgamating with them in the process. Anthropologically, at the present day, they are held to be Hamitic ; culturally, they are Semitized to a noticeable extent.

They themselves claim that the Ajis, or upper classes, as distinct from the Sabs, or outcasts, consist of two