CHAPTER XI. « 



Further account of the Omawhaws — Of their marriages — of 

 infancy, and the relationship of parents and children— 

 Their old age. 



In the Omawhaw nation, numbers of the females are be- 

 trothed in marriage from their infancy; and as polygamy is 

 extremely common, the individual who weds the eldest 

 daughter, espouses all the sisters successively, and receives 

 them into his house when they arrive at a proper age. 



During her early youth, the daughter continues under the 

 control of her parents, with whom she resides, and donations 

 are occasionally made to her by the lover, which are receiv- 

 ed by the parents, and appropriated to their own use, if the 

 addresses of the individual are favourably received; but should 

 an alliance with him, or with his family not be desirable, his 

 presents are rejected, and the application is not renewed. 



Between the age of nine and twelve years, the young wife, 

 is occasionally an invited visitant at the lodge of her hus- 

 band, in order that she may become familiarized with his 

 company and his bed. But her permanent residence is still 

 at the house of her parents, where she continues until the 

 age of thirteen or fourteen, when the parents give notice to 

 their son-in-law, that their daughter is of sufficient age to 

 partake of his bed. The husband then receives his bride 

 without any formality, and leaving his other wives at home, 

 departs with her upon a journey of a few days, during which 

 time the marriage is consummated. On their return, the 

 young wife again dwells in the lodge of her parents, occa- 

 sionally visited by her husband, until a general hunt calls the 

 nation from the village. 



