320 
Proceedings of the Boycd Soeiety 
Marriage Customs . — The Madis are not allowed to marry amongst 
their own friends, but generally obtain wives from neighbouring 
villages. Just about the time when a young man arrives at puberty 
his father makes a tour of the surrounding villages in search of a 
suitable bride for his son. Having found one to his mind, he ties a 
twig of a certain tree round her wrist, usually the left one, and then 
seeks her father’s permission for her to marry the youth. If the 
price to be paid in cows and sheep can be amicably settled, there is 
seldom any further difficulty in obtaining his consent. 
If a young man meets a girl during his travels and she takes his 
fancy, he is at liberty to ask her to marry him, and if she is willing 
he ties a twig round her wrist. She then goes home and tells her 
mother what has taken place, and the mother informs the father, 
who sends for the young man, and if he approves of him, gives his 
consent to the union, at the same time stating the price he wants 
for his daughter. The young man has then to obtain his own 
father’s permission. He tells him of his choice, and the price to be 
paid for her, and as a rule the father does not withhold his consent. 
The news is then published abroad that So-and-so’s son is to marry 
So-and-so’s daughter, and so much is to be the marriage portion. 
Should the parents not come to terms, the marriage does not take 
place, for the young people must always obey their parents in this 
matter, and runaway matches do not occur. Both young men and 
maidens appear to be faithful to their choice, and I have not been 
able to hear of a case of jilting. 
Before the marriage takes place, the young man may go and see 
his lianc6e whenever he likes. Meanwhile he works hard to get 
together as many cattle and as much grain as possible, to enable 
him to begin housekeeping. When he has passed the age of 
puberty by a year or so, the girl being also of a marriageable age, 
their friends are informed that the wedding will soon be celebrated. 
The girl’s father builds her a new hut, into which she goes a few 
days before the marriage ceremony takes place. The dancing ground 
is also swept and made ready. 
The young man, on his part, collects together the cattle to be 
given for his bride. His friends all make him presents, the most 
substantial help coming from his father, mother, and father’s 
brothers. The payment must be made in cows of one year old, or 
