THE BONGOS. 145 that they are a very quiet, good-natured race ; very willing to work, and not troublesome to keep in order. They seem to be more peaceful than is usual in these districts, their chief occupation being agriculture. Their huts are better built than any I have seen, except in Uganda ; the floors are hard, and the yards kept very clean. It is curious to notice that the tops of the huts are flat, and one sometimes sees a man or boy sitting on the roof. The ironwork of the Bongos is of a very superior order ; and the iron rings which are used for ornament are very well made, and of good shape. One frequently sees twenty or thirty rings worn on one arm. The spears used by the Bongos are cruelly barbed. The Bongos are clever in wood-carving ; the stools are often made with carved legs, and they also carve imasjes of men, which must not however be mistaken for idols. Sometimes graves are ornamented by several of these carved images. Good spoons are also made out of wood. The handle of the spoon has generally a broad hook at the end. A large quantity of tobacco (Xicotiana rustica) is grown, which they smoke to excess, and also chew, the "plug" being stuck behind the ear when not in use, and often it is passed from one man to another. I was told by the agent at Gok, that the Bongos do not marry at so early an age as in many tribes. The marriages usually take place when the people are from fifteen to seven-VOL. n. L