LAWS OF MARRIAGE. 35 



attracts his attention to his power over her, and frequently results in his taking 

 the young woman himself. 



If a chief is a man of ability, exhibiting bravery in battle or skill in 

 hunting, he is often presented with wives from other chiefs, who have generally 

 some whom they wish to part with. These women are given without their 

 consent, and the man must take them as a mark of friendship. It would seem, 

 however, that these gifts are not always appreciated, for Puulorn Puul, who 

 communicated this information, at the same time moodily muttered aside, in his 

 own language, ' Dear knows, there are plenty of them, when a husband has to put 

 up with half-a-dozen.' In cases where they are aged and infirm, the transfer is 

 made against the inclination of both parties. 



A young man, who belongs to the chief's family, very reluctantly seeks the 

 consent of the head of the family to his marriage, for it frequently ends in the 

 old chief taking the young woman himself. To such an extent is this tyrannical 

 system of polygamy carried on by the old chiefs, that many young men are 

 compelled to remain bachelors, the native word for which means ' to look out,' 

 while an old warrior may have five or sis of the finest young women of other 

 tribes for his wives. 



Exchange of wives is permitted only after the death of their parents, and, of 

 course, with the consent of the chiefs ; but is not allowed if either of the women 

 has children. When such an exchange is effected, both couples occupy difierent 

 compartments in the same wuurn, and assist each other amicably in household 

 duties. 



A husband and wife without children can agree to dissolve their marriage. 

 In such a case the woman must return to her tribe, and can marry again. 



When a woman is treated with cruelty by her husband, she may put herself 

 under the protection of another man, with the intention of becoming his wife. 

 If he take upon him the duty of protecting her, he must challenge her husband 

 and defeat him in single combat in presence of the chiefs and friends of both 

 parties. Having done so, their marriage is recognized as legal ; but ever after- 

 wards the first husband calls her a wannagnum heear, ' cast-off wife,' and she 

 calls him wannagnum, ' cast-off husband.' If a husband knows that his wife is 

 in love with another man, and if he has no objection to part with her, he takes 

 her basket to the man's wuurn, and leaves it. But as no marriage, or exchange 

 of wives can take place without the consent of the chief, the wife remains with 

 her husband till the first great meeting, when the bargain is confirmed. This 



