60 
POLYGAMY. 
6 March, 
SO remarkable as in Bushwomen. The thigh bones of those who 
were above the middle age, appeared bowed outwards in an unusual 
degree, or rather, the outer part of them was exceedingly pro- 
tuberant. As to the cause of this deformity, I can only venture 
a supposition, that it may be an enlargement of that process of the 
bone, called trochanter major. But in this I do not pretend to 
any positive opinion; and leave it to be determined by those who 
may hereafter have an opportunity of examining the skeleton of a 
Bushwoman of this conformation. 
One of the mothers told me, with evident distress, that she was 
soon to be parted from her only daughter, of whom she was affec- 
tionately fond, and who was now considered old enough to live in her 
husband's hut. The girl herself was sitting by, and, on hearing this 
mentioned, she turned her face downwards, with an unaffected bash- 
fulness, and with a natural and interesting expression of genuine in- 
nocence, which would well have become the most civilized of her sex. 
With regard to 'polygamy, I was told that a second wife is never 
taken, until the first, as before stated, has become old, not in years, but 
in constitution : and sometimes, though rarely, a third supplies, in like 
manner, the place of the second. This was generally the greatest 
extent of their polygamy ; nor, were the old wives, on that account, 
neglected or left unprovided for by their husbands ; but constantly 
remained with him on the same terms as before. I could not learn 
that any nice feelings of jealousy between these wives, ever disturbed 
the harmony of the family. 
Some men passing by, seemed much amused at my questions, 
and joined us : on which, I inquired of the women if their husbands 
ever beat them ; well knowing that this subject was one of great im- 
portance in their domestic arrangements. The men laughed, and 
quickly replied, " No No." The women as loudly cried, " Yes 
Yes, they beat us on the head — so." And sufficiently proved the 
truth of their assertion, by the ready and natural manner in which 
they imitated this act of conjugal discipline. 
I then quitted this party, who appeared happy and pleased at 
my stopping with them so long, and continued my visit to the 
