Flat Earth: So farewell then

DAOUDA, West Africa's most famous, most feared and oldest witch-doctor, died last week at the splendid and improbable age of 126. The announcement said the great man was in 'full possession of all his teeth' when he passed away at his native village of Bagagi in Niger. He held great magical power. Even to shake his hand could be fatal. When he met ordinary mortals he did so through by a curtain. Otherwise a stray glance might knock you out. He was close to birds and insects and could call them up to devastate enemies' crops. He will be sadly missed.