'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1863 to December 1864. (Edited by the Secretary.) Volume XVII.' [‎273] (450/524)

VISIT TO THE WANIKA COUNTRY.
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highest promise, armed from England. We found this gentleman
suffering from a severe attack of fever, aggravated by his refusal to
take quinine or any but homoeopathic remedies. It was at once appa
rent to us that his recovery was hopeless, and he expired on the 2nd
April, and was buried on the following morning close to the Mission
station.
The members of this IMission have suffered greatly from fever j
nevertheless their time has been well employed. A comfortable iron
house has been erected, with sufficient accommodation of a temporary
nature for their servants, and four or five acres of ground have been
cleared of jungle and prepared for cultivation as soon as the rains
shall commence. They have not indeed done much in the way of
tuition—that could hardly he expected at first—but I have strong hopes
that the fruit of their work will soon become apparent.”
We returned to Mombassa on the night of the 3rd instant by a route
very similar to that by which we reached Rabbai.”
Mr. Rehmaun, whose long residence amongst the Wanika has made
him thoroughly acquainted with their language and character, gave me
much information regarding this interesting people.
They appear very fair specimens of the East African race ; they want
the fine features and bold and restless character of the Somalie, but
they are equally without the air of stolid indifference and stupidity
which marks the Sowahilie of the coast. Their countenances are
bright and pleasant; they are good tempered, hospitable to strangers,
and easily led in matters which do not militate against their tribal
customs, by which they are governed as with a rod of iron.
Both sexes go naked from the waist upwards, and adorn their arms,
necks, and legs with heads and coils of brass-wire to an extent
which appears only limited by their finances. The males carry
bows and poisoned arrows, a short club, and sometimes a rude sword
resembling a spear-head. They shave half the head from the forehead
upwards, and wear the hair on the remainder in long plaits or twists
which are frequently strung with beads or the bright red seeds of the
Erythvinia Indica.
The marriage bond is but a slight one, and continency is hardly
known. Children are betrothed at an early age, and marriage takes
place as soon after puberty as the father of the bridegroom is able to pay
35 g