32 Seven Years in the Soudan.

middle of the entrance; a man counts the blo\v.s that are given, and if tlie sum is right all go home, but, in the contrary event, it is reported to the Sheik, Avho instantly sends a third of the men to seek for the strayed oxen. These men are not allowed to return till they have found them or their remains, or traces that they have been eaten by lions.

The Shilluks never kill oxen for food, but they eat the flesh of such as die from disease or other causes. They make use of fresh and curded milk, which is very digestible and refreshing ; they also cultivate the (/oor, but in small quantities. The poorest among the Shilluks has never less than two or three slaves, who have to work for their master. The Shilluk woman directs but does not herself perform household duties, Avhile her husband only thinks of hunting and fishing. On the whole the Shilluk has nothing distinguished in his appearance, and is excessively laz}". The men and women spend their time stretched on lion skins, Avhile the slaves are employed in rubbing them with fat.

This operation, which they call dllha, reduces them to a state of general exhaustion, from which they recover when appetite compels them to eat. In every village is seen a hut dedicated to Micama,. the spirit of good and evil. Micama is believed to be in communication with the Sheik, who thus receives inspiration how to govern well. »o Shilluk ventures to hunt or fish without asking the Sheik's advice. When a man dies, he is buried in front of his house in a sitting position, and a timiulns of clay is erected over his grave. The widow smears her face and iiair with mud, and utters cries and groans for several days. The nearest relations take care of the Avidow, providing her with what she needs, guarding her flocks, and cultivating her land.

Marriage is contracted by purchase of the girls from their parents. Usually the father of the bridegroom goes to the father of the bride to ask