Huts are circular, with pointed roofs, and as a rule there is no opening but a small door, so that lighting and ventilation are not enjoyed. As the roof is thatched, smoke from the fire can filter through, so there is no need to provide a special hole for its escape. In bridge building the Akikuyu are very expert, and in a short time a stream is crossed by a suspension bridge of creepers, cleverly arranged so as to be hidden among foliage, and so screened from the view of enemies. Fire is produced by means of rapidly twirling a hard shaft of wood, the lower end of which rests in a hole formed in a soft piece of wood, the dust from which forms the tinder. Dry grass is placed on the tinder, ignited by friction; and, as a rule, two natives, one twirling a fire stick while the other blows the tinder, will produce a flame in three-quarters of a minute. In order to avoid repeating this fire-making process too often, smouldering brands are carried during a journey. [Illustration: FIRE-MAKING BY TWIRLING.] Among the important industries are iron smelting and string making from bark and animals’ tendons. The former industry is of very great antiquity, and in the oldest legends and stories there are references to articles made of iron. CHAPTER V SOCIAL LIFE OF THE AKIKUYU A homestead consisting of only one hut will have its own little enclosure, but it is quite possible that a rich man will have several huts, one for each of his wives. In former times, when fighting was more common than it is to-day, the enclosure surrounding the huts was very carefully concealed in green foliage, through which one small entrance was made. Within this enclosure or compound the traveller will see the daily task of corn grinding, pottery making, and the manufacture of string bags going on apace. The last-named occupation is generally regarded as the work of little girls, whose small brothers are equally busy herding the goats. The women must be extremely strong, as a result of their hard work in carrying loads and cultivating the fields. Mr. Routledge speaks of “a girl of about thirteen who came into the camp one night about 11 p.m., bearing a load of bananas weighing 30 lb., which she had carried some fourteen miles since daybreak.”