ARTISTIC INSTINCTS. 213 boxes made from one piece of wood, in imitation of the trunks in which the Arabs carry their clothes, prove this abundantly. The legs of ankarebs, made of blackened wood, and carved by the Monbuttu with a knife, hold their own when compared with the work of the lathe. It is true, however, that real artists, who carve heads and figures, &c., are more numerous amongst the A-Zandé. The pottery, although made out of very coarse clay, surprises one by the varieties in design, the pure taste exhibited in the decorations, which are often in relief, as also by the presence of handles or depressions for the fingers. As a rule, the pottery is unglazed, and the original clay is not coloured, nor is it even freed from its mica scales. In all their workmanship the Monbuttu exhibit much good taste, and, as willing and clever workmen, they thoroughly appreciate good work. How far their love for symmetry leads them is shown by the fact that the wood, which is cut during the dry season and piled up in the huts for use in the wet season, is regularly dressed, and has its smooth sides decorated in various colours.