ROTH] CRIME AND PUNISHMENT 565 
says that where civilization ends theft ceases (EU, 292). On the 
way to Curipung River, a branch of the Mazaruni, Boddam-Whet- 
ham draws attention to apparent aboriginal honesty in connection 
with the explorer’s provisions packed in “ quakes” ranged by the 
side of the path on poles. Naturally these formed very conspicuous 
objects, and though they must continually have been noticed by sev- 
eral parties of Indians, yet nothing was ever touched or in any way 
disturbed (BW, 197). The property of each individual (Makusi) 
is sacred, be it his hut, his chattels, or his provision field. Any viola- 
tion of this principle, except in wartime, is hardly possible, and any 
bickerings with regard to mine and thine are exceedingly rare; but 
should they ever occur the contending parties submit to the decision 
of the council of men whom the chief summons for the purpose 
(SR, m, 321). Except among the Indians in-close contact with 
European settlement, the fact of one’s possessions being so few in 
number and simple in nature will probably account for one hearing 
so little of anything in the way of petty larceny. Children’s property 
would seem to be especially respected by the parents (Pnk, 1, 501; 
Hi, 230). 
737. Concerning property or taboo marks I know of only one 
example of the latter among the Indians. “Spent” ite leaves, 1. e., 
leaves from which the fiber has been removed, are hung on the outside 
of the huts where the Warrau women are confined or where they retire 
during their menstrual periods. In Dutch Guiana there are signs for 
indicating a taboo of entry into villages—e. g., two posts joined with a 
cord and leaves hanging therefrom, wooden idols rudely shaped, vessels 
with offerings to the genius of the village or of the road, but these are 
of Negro origin. So also in Dutch Guiana a wisp of straw, a piece of 
cloth, etc., laid close to an article will prevent it being touched or 
disturbed during the owner’s absence (KKM, 19). 
738. With the more serious crimes there is an application, as 
already mentioned, of the law of retaliation, but with minor offenses 
committed by women and youths of both sexes recourse is had to a 
blow with a billet of wood or a paddle, to a whipping, or to stinging 
ants. The interference of the husband with a stout bush rope is fre- 
quently necessary to restore tranquillity among his women (HiC, 
228). On the Orinoco Gumilla was informed that the whipping 
which the young men received at the time of the clearing of the field 
was to make them work properly and to cure them of their laziness, 
apparently whether they were guilty of the charge or not. Thus 
among the Saliva, when the time arrives for clearing the open plains 
with a view to planting corn, yucca, plantains, etc., they place the 
young men in line, some separate from the others, while a certain 
number of old men provide themselves with whips and rough thongs 
made of twisted kuraua. As soon as intimation is given that it is 
