MARRIAGE CUSTOMS. 233 
ished by cutting off the tip of the nose, as an indelible mark of 
shame. Their women are looked upon as slaves and beasts of 
burden, and every degrading service that can be inflicted upon 
them falls to their lot, yet strange to say they seem contented, 
and submit without a murmur. They are not prolific, awoman 
seldom having more than three children, which if males, are 
nurtured with great care, whilst the females are abused aa 
often beaten unmercifully. 
When a man wants a wife, he goes to the head of the family 
(who, according to their laws, is either the father, or if he is 
dead, the son who has most distinguished himself in war or 
wos even if he should be a younger son) and lays down 
11 
bef i g he thinks will be acceptable, and then 
sits down at some distance to await the result. After smoking 
a pipe, the goods are examined, and if acceptable, the girl is 
led out and handed over. For her there is no alternative, 
and repugnance often occasions “liasons” with former lovers. 
Should an elopement take place, in such cases the 
husband and his friends follow until they overtake the 
fugitives, when formerly the man was put to death, but now 
they compromise by purchase, the husband takes horses 
until he is satisfied, the wife remains the property of her 
choice, and all return to the village contented. 
The old men get possession of all the young girls they can, 
and make a profit out of them in this way, viz: a young man 
will pay a large bonus to be admitted asa member of the 
family and allowed to marry, after which, besides the bonus, 
