The Gloom Of These Forests
Strengthens The Superstitious Feelings Of The People.
In other quarters,
where they are not subjected to this influence, I have heard the chiefs
issue proclamations to the effect that real witchcraft medicines
had been placed at certain gardens from which produce had been stolen,
the thieves having risked the power of the ordinary charms
previously placed there.
This being the rainy season, great quantities of mushrooms were met with,
and were eagerly devoured by my companions: the edible variety
is always found growing out of ant-hills, and attains the diameter of
the crown of a hat; they are quite white, and very good, even when eaten raw;
they occupy an extensive region of the interior; some, not edible,
are of a brilliant red, and others are of the same light blue as the paper
used by apothecaries to put up their medicines.
There was a considerable pleasure, in spite of rain and fever,
in this new scenery. The deep gloom contrasted strongly
with the shadeless glare of the Kalahari, which had left
an indelible impression on my memory. Though drenched day by day
at this time, and for months afterward, it was long before I could believe
that we were getting too much of a good thing. Nor could I look at water
being thrown away without a slight, quick impression flitting across the mind
that we were guilty of wasting it. Every now and then we emerged
from the deep gloom into a pretty little valley, having a damp portion
in the middle; which, though now filled with water, at other times contains
moisture enough for wells only.
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