A person suffering from prolonged debility unrelieved by treatment, naturally (for a Kaffir) comes to believe that he is under the malign influence of someone around him who is working on him by means of witchcraft, and journeys are taken to get away from the spell. Thus in a way the idea of “Change of Air” is practiced. CHAPTER V. SURGERY. Fractures. The Kaffir Surgeon (Igqira Elokuqapula) is fairly expert in such cases and carries out a routine treatment. The usual drawing out of the limb is performed, replacing any noticeable deformity. It is then held in position while the surgeon makes three parallel incisions over the seat of fracture. Into these incisions he rubs the ashes derived from burning the roots of certain plants “awatunga” of which one is the plumbago. The limb thus treated is then bound firmly with strips of the inner bark of the mimosa tree which form an excellent splint material. Some surgeons profess to know a “bone root” which taken internally promotes rapid healing. I have been unable to identify this. It is just possible that this incising and rubbing in of charcoal acts as a counterirritant and thus prevents inflammatory mischief of deeper structures. The selection of carbon in preference to other substances shows at least a rudimentary knowledge of an antiseptic substance being preferable. Internally purgatives are administered to promote healing and ease restlessness. Dislocations. Are not generally differentiated from fractures. Healing Wounds. Sufferers from extensive wounds are usually taken to the top of a neighbouring hill and there kept in a newly built hut. (It would seem that some tradition had taught these people that wounds heal best in fresh air and cleanly surroundings). In-kubele (Kaffir generic name for healing plants) are frequently used, thus:— a. The wound is sometimes dressed by the application of the leaves of a small white Lily soaked in brandy or Kaffir beer. b. The leave of the Ungcelwane (Aloe latifolia) is cut open and the inner surface applied to the wound. The juice of this is pungent and has a marked healing effect. c. Swollen and inflamed wounds are poulticed with U-nomolwana (mallow leaves in paste), which soon reduces the inflammation or brings the abscess to a point. When the wound is cleaned in this way it is washed with a decoction of mallow leaves made in an earthenware vessel (not a metal pot) and an application made of one of the in-kubele (healing plants), e.g., The leaves of the Pelargonium alchemilioides in the form of a paste. I have the record of a man with a perforating ulcer of the foot, who refused amputation and who was ultimately cured by a Kaffir surgeon. d. Callous ulcers or slow healing wounds are treated by applying the juice of the Isi-dikili (Lasiosiphon Meisneri), which acts as a pretty considerable irritant and answers its purpose admirably. It is also used internally in infusion as an alterative and blood purifier.