(1. ) dingan at home (see page 207. )the illustration, "dingan at home," on page 209, represents the mode in which a kaffir reposes. The individual who is reclining is the great kaffir monarch, dingan, and the reader will observe that his bed is a mere mat, and that his pillow is only a block of wood. The hut which is here represented is the celebrated one which he built at his garrison town ukunginglove, and it was specially noted because it was supported by twenty pillars. The fireplace of this hut was remarkable for its shape, which, instead of being he simple circle in general use among the kaffirs, resembled in form that ornament which is known to architects by the name of quatrefoil. A few of his wives are seen seated round the apartment, and, as dingan was so great a man, they were not permitted to stand upright, or even to use the feet in any way, so that, of the wished to move from one part of the hut to another, they were obliged to shuffle about on their knees. The illustration is taken from a sketch by captain gardiner, who was invited by dingan to an interview in the house, and during which interview he rather astonished his guest by retiring for a short time, and then presenting himself with his face, limbs, and body entirely covered with red and white spots, like those on toy horses. The reader can form, from the contemplation of this drawing, a tolerably accurate idea of the luxuries afforded by the wild, savage life which some authors are so fond of praising. Date: 1878.
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