Page:Omniana 2.djvu/271

 duced by this poisoned water, I should without hesitation have believed him, however contrary the tact might have appeared to the received opinion. But his experience, as he calls it, goes no farther than to show that the Hottentots believe water may thus be poisoned: they are likely enough to think so, and in those who having the same belief have drunk of the water, there can be little doubt that imagination would produce sickness, and possibly in some cases death.

What Kicherer says of the Boschemen being properly prepared, is worthy of more consideration. Thunberg tells us that "the Hottentots and Boschemen are said to fortify themselves against poisoned darts, and the bite of venomous animals, by suffering themselves to be gradually bitten by serpents, scorpions, and other venomous crea-