The cupping glass is used thus. The skin is [[23]]scarified by needles and the larger end of the horn placed over the wounds. Suction by the mouth is then exerted at the smaller end through which a small hole has been bored.
It is the practice of the natives to attend their sick at home and except in known infectious cases e.g. Small pox, amaas, &c., they are certainly not avoided in any way: quite the contrary, many visits are paid by sympathising friends and much assistance offered by them.
Incurables are usually looked on as pensioners of the kraal and charitably treated.
Deformed infants, that is, those born deformed, are generally got rid of by order of the chief: usually by leaving them in the open at night when carnivora make short shrift of them. In addition, there are several minor abnormalities that are looked upon as evidence of the child being a witch child, and rendering it likely to be got rid of in a similar way or even openly destroyed. Such conditions for instance, as hare lip, obvious squints, born with teeth, arrival of the upper incisors before the lower, are looked upon with grave suspicion.
In case of a death taking place, the hut is [[24]]burned down, and the spot whereon it stood obliterated as much as possible: it being considered bewitched and avoided in consequence.
At the graveside, for the Bantus bury their dead, much ceremony is observed, and the relations leave offerings for the dead saying, “Look on us favourably where you are going.” They believe in a vague sort of way in a future existence, and that the spirits of the departed have some sort of continuous existence and power over the lives of the living usually exercised for ill. For this reason many ceremonies are observed, which it is foreign to the intention of this essay to describe in detail, in order to secure that the departed spirit will rest in peace and not give future trouble. [[25]]
CHAPTER III.
DOCTORS (AMAGQIRA).
The Kaffirs have great faith in the power of their “Medicine man” and consult him on every possible event. They requisition his services for sickness and pain, and accident, foretelling and causing the fall of rain; as detectives to find stolen or strayed or lost property; to point out criminals and bewitchers; to steer them clear of witchcraft, to make them brave in war; to secure their departed spirits rest; and so on almost “ad infinitum.”