1839.] Capt. Pemberton's Mission to Bootan, 1837-38. 265 



ing sacred sentences. The people throughout are remarkably super- 

 stitious, believing in an innumerable host of spirits, whose residences 

 they dare not pass on horseback; and while they are near these 

 abodes they keep the tenant at bay with vollies of incantations. The 

 offerings to these spirits are usually flowers, or bits of rag ; this prac- 

 tice they have in common with most of the tribes to the extreme east 

 of Assam. 



Of any marriage ceremonies I could not hear; but as chastity would 

 appear to be unknown, no particular forms are probably required ; 

 nor do I think that there is a particular class of prostitutes. We all had 

 opportunities of remarking the gross indelicacy of Bootea women ; of 

 this and of their extreme amiableness, the custom of polyandry is a 

 very sufficient cause. So far as I could see, there is no distinction of 

 rank among Bootea women, and those only are saved from the per- 

 formance of menial duties who are incapacitated by sickness or age. 



If the account given by Mr. Scott's Persian of the ceremonies atten- 

 dant on birth be true, another sufficient cause exists for scantiness of 

 population, as well as for a disproportion of women. He asserts that 

 the second day after birth both child and mother are plunged into the 

 nearest river ; but so great is the dislike of a Bootea for this element, 

 that I am inclined to discredit the account, and more especially as 

 regards the mother. 



The disposal of corpses is much the same as among the Hindoos : 

 the ashes of the body are collected, and are, I believe, thrown into the 

 nearest river. The ceremonies, of course, begin and end with a dona- 

 tion to the officiating priest. The only part of them I witnessed was 

 the burning, and this only in one instance ; it was done in a slovenly 

 and disgusting manner. 



Of the social habits, little favourable could be said in any place 

 where the women are looked on as inferior beings, and used as slaves. 

 The men generally are excessively idle, and spend most of their time 

 in drinking chong, for the preparation of which, as well as that of 

 arrack, there are provisions in most houses. I do not think I ever 

 saw a male Bootea employed, except indeed those who acted as 

 coolies. All the work in doors and out of doors is done by women, to 

 whom about Punukka Assamese slaves are added. The men are great 

 admirers of basking in the sun, and even prefer sitting shivering in the 

 cold to active employment. 



I need scarcely add that both sexes are in all their habits inexpres- 

 sibly filthy. The women in their extreme indelicacy form a marked 

 contrast with such other Hill tribes as I am acquainted with. 



The only use either sex make of water is in the preparation of food 



