The announcement was received with a shout of joy, for war is the opportunity which the "boys," or "black shields," have of distinguishing themselves, and thus acquiring the honourable title of "man" and bearer of a white shield. All shields are conferred by the chief alone, who bestows them on none but those who by daring deeds have proved themselves worthy to be one of his soldiers. To the "boys" a black shield is given till they have distinguished themselves greatly in battle, when it is changed for a white one. Both are of a long oblong shape, covered with cow-hide, and only vary in colour. Through this war expedition I became a witness of many peculiar ceremonies attendant thereupon. First, I learned that by some means Metilulu had procured a portion of a hide-belt belonging to the other chief, which, having been scraped into a medicine prepared by the witch-doctor, he had drank, believing by that he would literally swallow up his enemy from his path. After this the warriors' turn came. All being assembled, an ox was slaughtered by the witch-doctor, who, having cut off one of its legs, chopped it in pieces, sprinkled them with a magic powder, then distributed the morsels to the warriors, who devoured them with the greatest avidity. That ended, the whole animal was cooked for them to feast upon. This concluded that day's ceremony. On the next the witch-doctor administered a medicine which acted as an emetic; then, as a purification, to which I have previously referred, Metilulu, approaching, sprinkled those appointed to fight with water. Strange as it may appear, if these rites were not performed the Kaffir's heart would fail him in battle, not through want of courage, but merely through superstition. The present expedition was under the command of a n'genana, or captain, whose costume, like those of the other warriors, was very peculiar. Each one had seemed to adopt his own idea of a strange head-dress, formed of tall and short feathers; while long goats' hair hung flowing down their backs, over their chests, and from the knee-joints more than half-way down the calf.