1859.] Notes on Kiifiristan. 361 



two contracting 1 parties made incisions in their own arms, and licked 

 one another's blood."* Herodotus also describes an analogous 

 custom of entering into engagements as observed amongst the Scy- 

 thians. He states: — "The Scythians make solemn contracts in 

 the following manner, with whomsoever they make them. Having 

 poured wine into a large earthen vessel, they mingle it with blood 

 taken from those who are entering into covenant, having struck with 

 an awl or cut with a knife a small part of the body ; then, having 

 dipped a scimitar, some arrows, a hatchet, and a javelin in the vessel, 

 when they have done this, they make many solemn prayers, and then 

 both those who make the contract, and the most considerable of their 

 attendants, drink up the mixture. "f 



If a young man falls in love with the daughter of any one, and 

 wishes to marry her, he takes an arrow, which he has previously 

 covered with blood, and discharges it into the house of his mistress's 

 parents or guardians, as the case may be ; but at the same time 

 taking good care that the arrow injures no one. He then goes 

 away to one of the chief men of the village and acquaints him of the 

 circumstance. The girl's father, or master, if a slave, having dis- 

 covered the arrow, makes enquiry amongst his neighbours if they 

 know who has discharged it into his dwelling. On this, the con- 

 fidant of the lover comes forward, and makes known the name of the 

 party, and proposes to the tribe that the girl be given to him in 

 marriage ; and if they agree, which is generally the case, they fix the 

 amount of dowry, consisting of cows, goats, sheep, land, and orna- 

 ments ; and these must be made over to the damsel's parents, or 

 master, by the intended bridegroom, on or before a certain day. If 

 he has sufficient property of his own for his marriage expenses, it is 

 well, otherwise the tribe raise a subscription amongst themselves, and 

 set him up in the world. 



The day for the celebration of the marriage having been fixed, the 

 people of the village and the neighbouring hamlets are informed of 

 the same, and invited to attend the festival. The father feasts the 

 guests sumptuously for a period of from five to ten days according 

 to his means, during which time singing and dancing are kept up 



* Ancient History. Vol. I., pp. 146. 



f Herodotus ; Book IV. Melpomene. Chap. 70. 



