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 coun-

try 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 amuse- ment 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, be-

cause 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