Hair

and all manner of charms, and strange natural objects, are placed by the tree; and the phylakteries of the priests are placed on a raised dais, or hung to the boughs: the _ ground near is carefully swept and garnished.; The Rev. J. M‘Donald (Anthrop. Instit. Journal, November 1890) also shows that, in the religious customs of Zulus and neigh- _ bouring tribes, the magician, with his omens, witch smelling, and secret rites, renders the life of the people one long misery; and he is the instigator of murders innumerable. All is tabu (as Polynesians call it), and severe oaths of secrecy prevent such matters being dis- ’ cu ed, even in the family, Brave and good men are openly, or secretly, killed, in order that parts of their bodies may be eaten— the liver to give valour (it is the soul); the ears for intelligence; the frontal skin for perseverance; the testicles for male power; and other members for other qualities. Some parts are burnt, and the ashes are preserved “in the horn of a bull,” to be administered from time to time, with other suitable ingredients, to youths—only of course by the tribal priests, Dreams (as in the days of Abram), often demand sacrifice of children or animals; but a priest (not an excited parent) must decide which is to be the victim. 63