Africa. When the Germans established themselves in that region, the
Dualla were under many petty chiefs, whose domains were usually
restricted to one village. Over these were two greater chiefs, Bell
(Mbeli) and Akwa, representing the principal families of the tribe. The
Dualla are physically a fine race. They are proud of their racial
purity, and it was formerly usual for all half-caste children to be
strangled at birth. The Dualla tattoo themselves, the women the whole
body, the men the face only. They also pull out their eyelashes, which
they believe prevent sharp sight. The monarchical system is more
developed among the Dualla than any other of the peoples of Cameroon.
The kings, many of whom have grown rich through trade, retain part of
their former power, subject to the German government. The Dualla, who
are laborious, industrious and capable of great physical endurance, are
great traders and are proportionately prosperous. The average price for
a wife among the Dualla is from L90 to L120; but sometimes a great deal
more is paid. Girls are usually betrothed young and may be divorced if
sterile. The penalty for adultery is a fine imposed on the seducer; if
he cannot pay he becomes the husband's slave. Cannibalism as a religious
rite was formerly common among the Dualla. All accessions to power were
preceded by a sacrifice, a king having no authority till his hands were
stained with blood. The religion is fetish blended with
ancestor-worship, and certain secret societies exist among them which
seem to have a religious connexion. The dead are buried within the hut,
which is abandoned shortly afterwards; slaves were formerly buried with
men of importance. Missionary efforts have yielded many converts, and
some churches have been built. Many of the natives can read. The Dualla
are in possession of an interesting code, in accordance with which
messages can be sent and even conversations maintained by means of
drums, or rather gongs, giving two notes. (See CAMEROON.)

DU BARRY, MARIE JEANNE BECU, Comtesse (1746-1793), French adventuress,
mistress of Louis XV., was the natural daughter of a poor woman of
Vaucouleurs, and was born there on the 19th of August 1746. Placed in a
convent in Paris at an early age, she received a very slight education,
learning little but the catechism and drawing; and at the age of sixteen
entered a milliner's shop in the rue St Honore. Subsequently she lived
as a courtesan under the name