The consequence was that the child was soon in a dying state, and the father wishing it to be baptized, I commended its soul to the care and compassion of Him who said, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven." The mother at once rushed away, and commenced that doleful wail which is so affecting, as it indicates sorrow without hope.

She continued it without intermission until the child was buried.

In the evening her female companions used a small musical instrument, which produced a kind of screeching sound, as an accompaniment of the death wail.
In the construction of this instrument they make use of caoutchouc, which, with a variety of other gums, is found in different parts of this country.
The intercourse which the natives have had with white men does not seem to have much ameliorated their condition.

A great number of persons are reported to lose their lives annually in different districts of Angola by the cruel superstitions to which they are addicted, and the Portuguese authorities either know nothing of them, or are unable to prevent their occurrence.

The natives are bound to secrecy by those who administer the ordeal, which generally causes the death of the victim.
A person, when accused of witchcraft, will often travel from distant districts in order to assert her innocency and brave the test.