HOME LIFE AT THE PALACE.

chiefly of the non-intoxicating kind. He never smokes, neither is any one allowed to do so in his presence. This is strange, for, I think, in no country is smoking so largely indulged in, both hy men and women, as in Uganda. I noticed frequently that the chiefs, if called suddenly to his presence, would chew coffee-berries, probably to take away the smell of tobacco.

Before his illness, Mtesa was a very energetic man, and was in the habit of making long hunting excursions— of course after his own fashion—with a large retinue of chiefs, slaves, and wives. He felt his enforced inactivity very irksome, his only amusement being to look over his stock of guns and presents, which he did generally once a week, or else to have conversations with the Europeans then in Uganda. His illness had one good effect, he had become much more merciful, and one often heard the remark, " If Mtesa were well, you would soon see some executions." The weary expression on his face at times was very pitiable, and I often wished that it were in my power to give him more speedy relief.

Whenever I was ill, he sent down to inquire after me, with presents of bananas, butter, and goats. He was influenced partly by a selfish motive, because I told him I could not doctor him unless I was strong and well, and in order to be so I must have plenty of food ; but I believe that during my