2o8 NOTES ON THE MONBUTTU. 



the mbili-tree. The Lophira is very scarce in Monbuttu, but 

 abounds in the A-Zande country. It is hardly necessary to 

 state that human fat is used by preference where it can be 

 obtained. 



In contrast to other tribes, where the upper, and especially 

 the ruling classes, hold themselves strictly aloof from the serv- 

 ing class, a certain amount of free intercourse is allowed here. 

 Although, as a rule, marriages take place between girls of the 

 better classes and their equals, yet it is common enough to see 

 even girls belonging to the ruling families, especially if they 

 are not beautiful, married to men of the people. Marriages 

 are always arranged by means of a go-between, who receives 

 the price given for the bride, part of which is delivered to the 

 bride's father, the remainder being reserved for her nearest 

 relations, and part kept back as commission. These presents 

 consist of slaves, cattle, and especially iron. If a ruler gives 

 his daughter in marriage, it is the custom to give with her 

 four maidens, in order that she may not go alone, and that 

 during the first months of married life she may have good 

 servants. When women of the better classes leave their huts, 

 they are always accompanied by one male servant and several 

 maids. Although the relations which exist between servants 

 and masters are very cordial, obedience is strictly enforced, and 

 no servant is permitted to address a superior except in a stoop- 

 ing position, with the hands placed upon the knees. 



It is not considered improper for a grown-up girl, though 

 a prince's daughter, to visit her lover at nights, even should he 

 be a servant. Should lovers wish to marry, the girl's father 

 is informed of the fact, and he makes a feeble attempt to 

 obtain payment for the bride. If the young man is rich, 

 the price settled upon is immediately paid ; if he is poor, the 

 claim is not pressed. As a rule, the women appear to have 

 considerable freedom in their amatory proceedings, but open 

 prostitution is rarely seen. It is possible, however, that in the 

 interior of the country, at a distance from the stations, other 

 customs may be in vogue. The marriage festivities, at which 

 presents have to be made to all who attend, often last for twenty 

 days. Polygamy is practised throughout the country on a 

 large scale, for wives are cheap, and may be obtained even for 



