324. Dr King on the 
The estimation in which women are held among the 
Esquimaux is something greater than is usual in savage life,” 
if we except the natives of Greenland,t who are not only phy- 
sically, but mentally, inferior to the most of their brethren. 
It is a very general custom for parents to betroth their chil- 
dren in infancy ; and this compact being understood, the par- 
ties, whenever they are inclined and able to keep house, may 
begin living as man and wife, the husband being thenceforth 
bound to labour for their support ; and this is not unfrequently 
the case at thirteen or fourteen years.{ Where previous en- 
gagements are not made, the men select their wives amongst 
their relations or connections, paying but little regard to 
beauty of face or to person. Young men naturally prefer 
youthful females ; but the middle-aged will connect themselves 
with old widows, as being more skilled in household duties, 
and better able to take care of their mutual comforts. 
The marriage ceremony is very simple. The youth declares 
his passion to the parents and relatives on both sides; and, 
having obtained their consent, he immediately repairs to the 
habitation of the bride to take her away, if he considers him- 
self strong enough; but if not, he presses into the service two 
or more old women, whose duty it is to convey the bride ‘to 
her new home,—a work of no little difficulty ; for, though ever 
so anxious for the union, it is incumbent upon her to appear 
otherwise, and she must contend with the messengers with all 
her might, or she will lose caste for modesty. After due, 
though prudent, reluctance, she at last yields, and is conveyed 
to her husband’s home, where further ceremony must be gone 
through. For some time she keeps at a distance, sits retired 
in some corner upon the bench, with her hair dishevelled, and 
her face covered. In the mean while the bridegroom uses all 
the rhetoric of which he is master, and spares no pains to 
bring her to a compliance with his wishes. This is generally 
successful, and the wedding is concluded.§ 
* Parry, 526; Richardson; Curtis. + Crantz. 
¢ Lyon, 352; Parry, 378; Ross, 251. § Egede; Parry. 
