POLYGAMY. 99 



frequent appeal and some reproach that assistance 

 was afforded. The bags which contained our instru- 

 ments, stores, and presents, were left in the tent until 

 we were ready to start ; and on fetching them, 

 Lindsay observed Caymgliche inspecting the interior of 

 one, hurriedly closing it upon his entrance. True, 

 nothing was missed, and curiosity might have been 

 the motive, but this was a breach of the duties of 

 hospitality sufficiently blameable. 



I have briefly noticed the size of Metra's 

 yarang, but should mention also the cause of so 

 much space being required, and its distribution. 



I have not before spoken of the practice of polygamy, 

 which almost universally prevails among the Tuski, 

 and this custom is more than usually remarkable 

 from the singular circumstances attending it. As a 

 general principle, I believe I may assert that only one 

 wife is considered as the head of the yarang ; she shares 

 and regulates the compartment set aside for its master ; 

 and, although seldom interfering Avith the internal 

 arrangements of the other portions, has general 

 superintendence and control over the entire estab- 

 lishment. She it is who, upon the arrival of fish or 

 meat, directs their division into the several shares 

 for men and dogs ; to her the husband looks for the 

 correct conduct and performance of the duties of the 



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