XXI 



COURTSHIP 



As viewed by the outsider, the average Inupash 

 courtship is devoid of romance. The first mating of 

 young people is usually suggested and arranged by 

 the mothers, yet there are slight indications notice 

 able to the initiated that will often point to the in 

 tentions of the persons interested. If one sees a 

 young man beating out a piece of metal and fashion 

 ing a finger ring, it is apt to be for some young 

 woman; or should a young woman be making a 

 fancy tobacco bag, of course it is for some young 

 man, and the whispering of love is probably back 

 of the inspiration. It only remains for the meet 

 ing of the two mothers to arrange matters. 



The two families may be living close together, 

 yet the mother of one will call on her neighbor and 

 tell her how she has intended to be more neigh 

 borly, but she has been so busy. Then the neigh 

 bor will declare how delighted she is to see her, 

 after which the conversation is carried on in the 

 usual strain, or until mother number one commences 



