sserted, to
supernatural agency. After the death of his father, his two brothers
and he claimed the throne. Their pretentions were to be settled by an
ordeal. They possessed a small magic drum, and, it being placed on the
ground, he who could lift it was to take the crown. His brothers were
unable to stir it, though exerting all their strength, but Rumanika
raised it with his little finger. This test, however, not satisfying
the chiefs, they insisted on Rumanika going through another trial. He
was seated on the ground, and it was believed that if he was the
appointed king, the portion of soil on which he sat would rise up in the
air, but if not, it would collapse, and he would be dashed to pieces.
According to the belief of his subjects, no sooner had Rumanika taken
his seat, than he was raised into the sky, and was therefore
acknowledged king.

One of the most curious customs which Rumanika holds in his character of
high priest, is his new-moon _levee_, which takes place every month, for
the purpose of ascertaining the loyalty of his subjects. On the evening
of the new-moon the king adorns himself with a plume of feathers on his
head, a huge white beard descending to his breast. He takes post behind
a screen. Before him are arranged forty long drums on the ground, on
the head of each of which is painted a white cross. The drummers stand
each with a pair of sticks, and in front is their leader, who has a
couple of small drums slung round his neck. The leader raises first his
right arm and then his left, the performers imitating him, when he
brings down both sticks on the drums with a rapid roll, they doing the
same, until the noise is scarcely to be endured. This having continued
for some hours, with the addition of smaller drums and other musical
instruments, the chiefs advance in succession, leaping and
gesticulating, and shouting expressions of devotion to their sovereign.
Having finished their performance, they kneel before him, holding out
their knobbed sticks that he may touch them, then, retiring, make room
for others.

Civilised as the country is in some respects, marriage is a matter of
barter between the father and the intended husband, the former receiving
cows, slaves, sheep, etcetera, for his daughter. Should, however, a
bride not approve of her husband, by returning the marriage gifts she is
again at liberty. The chief ceremony at marriages consists in tying up
the bride in a skin, blackene