Expedition, &rc. 231 



During this hunt the husband again takes possession of 

 his bride, whose parents constantly pitch their lodge near 

 that of the son-in-law. 



The husband, previously to introducing his new wife to 

 his lodge, endeavours to obtain the consent of his other wives ; 

 for this purpose, he speaks kindly to them, states the neces- 

 sity of providing them with a helpmate, to alleviate their 

 burthens, and thus succeeds in his wishes. 



The new matrimonial alliance is at first productive of no 

 discord in the family, but at length the decided partiality, 

 displayed by the husband in favour of his recent acquisition, 

 engenders much jealousy in the minds of his elder wives. 

 Quarrels often succeed, which are sometimes terminated 

 by the natural weapons of the wives, who, after the liberal 

 use of their voluble tongues, apply for more strenuous aid to 

 the agency of their teeth and nails, or to the somewhat 

 more formidable array of tomahawks, clubs, and missiles. 



During combats of this nature, the husband remains per- 

 fectly neutral, sitting with his robe drawn over his head. 

 Should the wives succeed in expelling the recent intruder, 

 who takes refuge in the house of her parents, the husband 

 endeavours to sooth their anger, and to point out to them 

 the impropriety of their conduct. 



A lecture of this description, to women elated with victo- 

 ry, is not always received in the same conciliatory disposition, 

 with that which dictated the advice, but sometimes results 

 in another quarrel, which is terminated by the administra- 

 tion of a few blows on the persons of his refractory squaws. 

 These will then depart from his lodge, declaring their deter- 

 mination to live with him no longer; a resolution which, 

 however, fails with their anger, and they seek a reconcilia- 

 tion. Their friends apply to the husband in their favour, 

 and are informed that he was angry when he flogged them, 

 and that he is now sorry for it. Thus matters are, with but 

 little difficulty, adjusted ; the wives return home and are 



