148 NAGA HILLS. range of the same name. At the present day they can scarcely be distinguished from the Míkirs among whom they live, and they carry on a river traffic by means of the Jamuná river with Bengalí traders. There are also 9 Rengmá villages situated due north of Kohima. These villages form a strong and united community, and for a long period prevented the warlike Angámí tribe from raiding on the timid Lhotás. Tradition states that the Rengniá Nágás originally occupied the higher ranges east of the Dhaneswari, but were forced to fly to their present homes in consequence of intestine feuds and the attacks of other and more powerful Nágá tribes. Their villages are small, and with a few exceptions undefended, although from their being situated in the midst of heavy forest jungle and dense underwood, without roads, they are very difficult of access. Besides rice, a considerable quantity of cotton is grown in the hills, which is bartered for salt, bells, beads, hoes, etc., to Bengalí hawkers from Nowgong. The Rengmás acknowledge a plurality of gods, to whom they make sacrifices of cows, pigs, and fowls. Marriage is a civil contract, and merely needs the consent of the girl and her parents. The only ceremony consists of a feast given by the bridegroom to the whole village. The Angámí and kindred Kachha clan of Nágás dwell respectively in the south-east and south-west of the District. They are an athletic and by no means bad-looking race, with brown complexion, flat noses, and high cheek-bones. They are brave and warlike, but also treacherous and vindictive. Their dress consists of a dark blue or black kilt, ornamented with rows of cowrie shells, and a thick cloth of home mamufacture thrown over the shoulders. As ear-ornaments, they wear tusks of the wild boar ; but the most coveted decoration of a warrior is a neck-collar made of goat's hair dyed red, and fringed with the long scalps of slain enemies. Strings of various coloured beads ornament their necks in front, a conch shell being suspended behind. Above thi elbow are worn armlets either of ivory or plaited cane, prettily worked in red or yellow. Between the calf and the knee are bound pieces of finely cut cane dyed black, the calves being encased in leggings of cane similar to the armlets. The hair is generally cut square in front, and tied into a knot behind, with a plume of cagle or toucan feathers, The women are short in stature, stout, and extremely plain-featured. They have to perform all the drudgery of the house, to work in the fields, hew wood and draw water, besides weaving the clothing required for the family. The national weapons are a spear, a shield, a dúo or bill-look. This last also serves as a sole implement of agriculture, and for all domestic purposes. The shaft of tlie spear is twined with plaited cane and coloured hair. The shield is 5 feet long by 18 inches broad, the framework consisting of split bamboos, covered in front with a bear or her
