544 The National Geographic Magazine 



The Framjee Dinshaw Petit Parsee Sanitorium 



A handsome structure for a noble purpose, built out of a fund set apart by the late 

 Mr Framjee Dinshaw Petit for the benefit of his Parsee community. 



The length of the building is 293 feet and the depth is 75 feet. It can accommodate 

 thirty-six families in all — twelve on each floor. To each of such families two rooms are 

 assigned, with a bath-room, kitchen, and other necessary arrangements. 



A noticeable feature in connection with the sanitary arrangements of the building 

 is the introduction of the " Macerating Bacteriological Tanks " for the disposal of sewage 

 and sullage. 



The cost of the building, including grounds, is nearly five lakhs of rupees. 



Sometimes they may commission a 

 match-making priest to find a suitable 

 party for their child. The horoscope of 

 the boy, as well as that of the girl, may 

 be examined by the professor of astrol- 

 ogy to determine whether the respective 

 stars of the proposed pair are in har- 

 mony. The wealth, position, and social 

 standing of the parents are thoroughly 

 investigated and considered. When the 

 heads of both families have been satis- 

 fied and approval given as to the suit- 



ability of the match, the betrothal takes 

 place, usually at a day fixed by the 

 astrologer. There is little ceremony 

 attending this occasion, and it is con- 

 sidered to be made binding by the ex- 

 change of presents. 



For several days preceding the date of 

 marriage, which is usually fixed on cer- 

 tain days of the year supposed to be 

 propitious for such ceremony, a succes- 

 sion of dinners and ' ' natches ' ' are given 

 to friends of the family. It is customary 



