of Edinburgh, Session 1885-86. 
745. 
or 3*6 per cent., appeared to be sterile; and the number of male 
first births was 79, of female 403. In the subsequent births, how- 
ever, male and female children born were nearly equal in number, 
the females being only slightly in excess. 
Of the whole 800 women observed 69 had 4 children, 3 had 5, 
3 had 6, 3 had 7. 
2. Separation of Husband and Wife. — Although in the poorer 
families the women are prolific, it being common enough to meet 
with mothers of six or seven children, yet on account of polygamy 
most of the women have only one or two. It is the custom, 
except in the lowest class of society, for a woman to separate from 
her husband from the time of her pregnancy until she has weaned 
her child, and this is not done until it is two years old. Even in 
the lowest class a few months separation is usual. 
Chiefs who have very large harems have establishments in the 
country to which their women are banished during this period, and 
in them they are strictly watched. In sexual matters they are very 
cleanly, regular ablutions being rigorously prescribed. 
3. Loss of Infant Life. — Still births are very rare, and infant 
mortality is very slight. Infanticide' is never practised, but miscar- 
riages, said by the natives to be due to syphilis, are not infrequent. 
Treatment of Widoivs. — As the custom obtains for the eldest son 
to marry all his father’s widows, with the exception of his own 
mother, they do not suffer much by the loss of their husbands. At 
the present time no women are sacrificed at their husband’s graves, 
but there is a tradition that at one time some of the widows of 
kings and hereditary chiefs were tied up in the enclosures round 
their husband’s graves and starved to death. 
The women age at a comparatively early period, and are then 
compelled to do more field work, &c., than women in the prime of 
life. 
Education of Children. — The children in Uganda are very well 
behaved. Their education commences at an early age, and they are 
taught to follow the occupations of their parents. Eighting, danc- 
ing, and music are taught to children of six or seven. Strict 
obedience and respect to their elders are rigorously inculcated, but 
the children are happy merry little things notwithstanding. I was 
much struck by the way in which they amused themselves. Instead 
