The folk-lore, certain kinds of demons, and the jungle folk are entirely African.
Such stories as "The Cat's Tail," "The Fools," and "Shani and Tabak" were told in the dialects of Shela, Pate and Lamu, in which places there is a greater proportion of Arab blood. "Kajikarangi," "The Hunters and the Big Snake," and "Segu" are types of tales told by more African natives in the dialect of Zanzibar and the Mgao and Mrima coasts.
The Sultan is the king or chief. As the African coast kingdoms were often very small he was, as often as not, the chief of only one town or island, whilst in the next town another Sultan reigned.
The Wazir, or Vizier of Turkey, is his prime minister or head man.
Where one Sultan reigned over several towns or islands he used to put into each a governor, called Wali or Liwali.
The elephant, from his size, is to the native a creature inspiring awe, who eats and tramples down his crops and breaks his fences.
The hyaena is harmless, and so only a subject for derision.
Over the whole of Central Africa the hare is considered as the most cunning of all the animals. African slaves have even brought tales of his wiles to America, where, under the name of "Brer Rabbit," he has retained his African reputation for guile.
I must acknowledge my indebtedness to my mother for arranging the rhymes which occur from time to time in the text.
C. H. STIGAND.