^66 TRAVELS IN THE 
this description, but they were all males. I had, however, an 
opportunity of seeing a female Solimana, at Kamalia. 
In the course of this celebration, it frequently happens that 
some of the young women get married. If a man takes a fancy 
to any one of them, it is not considered as absolutely necessary, 
that he should make an overture to the girl herself. The first 
object is to agree with the parents, concerning the recompence 
to be given them, for the loss of the company and services of 
their daughter. The value of two slaves is a common price, 
unless the girl is thought very handsome ; in which case, the 
parents will raise their demand very considerably. If the lover 
is rich enough, and willing to give the sum demanded, he then 
communicates his wishes to the damsel ; but her consent is by 
no means necessary to the match ; for if the parents agree to it, 
and eat a few kolla-nats, which are presented by the suitor as 
an earnest of the bargain, the young lady must either have 
the man of their choice, or continue unmarried, for she cannot 
afterwards be given to another. If the parents should attempt 
it, the lover is then authorized, by the laws of the country, to 
seize upon the girl as his slave. When the day for celebrating 
the nuptials is fixed on, a select number of people are invited to 
be present at the wedding : a bullock or goat is killed, and great 
plenty of victuals dressed for the occasion. As soon as it is 
dark, the bride is conducted into a hut, where a company of 
matrons assist in arranging the wedding dress, which is always 
white cotton, and is put on in such a manner as to conceal the 
bride from head to foot. Thus arrayed, she is seated upon a 
mat, in the middle of the floor, and the old women place them- 
