A doctor who has passed his initiation (ukutwasa) is supposed to have communication with things in the water, or with wild animals; but this individual claims to hold communication with a bird. There are birds well-known, which by their actions or calls indicate the approach of rain; thus we have Egyptian vulture; the turkey buzzard which does so by its “booming” and the South African rain bird by its call “bok—ma—keri.” Some men of great natural observing powers are skilful in weather signs and probably the rain doctors are no fools in this respect, and hold off with various excuses when their natural barometer stands at “very dry.” E. THE WAR DOCTOR. Igqira elilitola. (the doctor who is of war.) Plural. Amagqira amatola. In time of war, before proceeding to battle the companies are doctored, each soldier being submitted to the process. The war doctor (Itola) always a man, is sent for and prepares a large vessel of war medicine, with much ceremony and incantation, and of this each warrior partakes, and is in consequence considered immunised from the danger of his enemies’ weapons (always, be it understood, provided he be at peace and in the good graces of his departed ancestors.) These ancestors have sacrifices offered to them by every warrior, including the king and chief indunas on the eve of battle. Many curious practices take place at such a time which it is outside the province of this essay to describe. They are, however, very interesting, as evidence of various superstitions believed by the Kaffir. CHAPTER IV. NATIVE PRACTICES. A. Medicine. Diseases known to Natives: Native names: supposed causes and recognised cures. In dealing with this subject I have as far as possible compiled information received from a large number of individuals, chiefly Native chiefs, educated Natives, Missionaries, &c., and, as in soliciting information terms understood by such had to be used, I have continued to use the same terms, classifications and nomenclature of disease, etc. “Icesina,” Fevers. Natural Diseases. There is a wand-like snake called “In-Gum-babane,” which is supposed to eat up the man inside and thus cause death. The Kaffirs try to stop the entrance of the snake or to arrest its progress by using bitter and strong smelling herbs, which they administer internally, as well as by rubbing well all round the orifices of the body, mouth, nose, anus, etc. A general method of treatment for these fevers as well as other constitutional diseases is called “Uku Nyakamisa Imbiza” (to wet a pot). This is carried out in the following way:— Roots of several kinds of medicinal plants are collected, placed in a gourd, covered with water and allowed to soak. Of which infusion repeated doses are administered to the patient. The supply of the infusion is kept up by adding more water until the roots either shoot or putrify. The patient is then given a severe purge and emetic and is expected to be cured.