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THE POPULAR SCIENCE MOXTHLY. 



tates the passage of the child through the pelvis, and tends to 

 expedite the after-birth, the woman in a surprisingly short time 

 resumes her household duties quite as if nothing unusual had 

 occurred. There is no ceremony of purification for the mother, 

 nor does she receive congratulations. On the contrary, it is the 



Fig. 1.— Ainu of Yezo.* 



father who is congratulated ; and when the poor mother has taken 

 up her drudgery once more, it is lie who remains by the fireside, 

 wrapped up in his good clothes, to receive the felicitations of his 

 relatives and friends, smoking constantly and drinking many a 



* For the illustrations in this article we are indebted to "Unbeaten Tracks in Japan," 

 bv Isabella L. Bird. — Editor. 



