of Edinburgh, Session 1883 - 84 . 329 
on she may return to her old home, or more rarely still she never 
leaves it. 
Treatment of Superiors . — There appear to he no rules of precedence 
nor any difference in the treatment of rich and poor. The poor are 
generally those whose parents have died when they were young, or 
those whose father’s cows have been stolen by an enemy. In this case 
the children are adopted by relations, and when they marry, a small 
number of cows are given to them as presents to start them in life. 
Each village is quite independent, having a president or sub-chief 
at its head ; only in time of war must the men from each village 
assemble, under the head chief, who resides in the largest town. 
The village head-men and even the chiefs are treated with great 
familiarity, no spirit of subjection or fear apparently existing. 
Hospitality . — Hospitality is inculcated and universally practised 
to kinsfolk, neighbours, strangers and enemies. 
A passer-by is invariably invited to share any meal which is pro- 
ceeding, and a refusal to partake of the proffered kindness is con- 
sidered as an offence. If he is in a hurry, and does not wish to be 
delayed, politeness requires him to dip his hand in the dish and 
to eat a mouthful before proceeding on his way. At a meal the 
guests sit on the ground, and help themselves out of the common 
dish. Water is brought them to wash their hands, children per- 
forming this duty. Water is always at hand to offer to passing 
travellers. Every family has a hut for the special use of visitors, 
and if guests arrive unexpectedly when the hut is already occupied, 
the children are turned out to sleep at a neighbour’s, and their hut 
appropriated to the visitors. 
Treatment of Women . — Women are treated with respect and 
politeness by the men, who always show them preference, resigning 
to their use the best places, and paying them such like courtesies. 
They eat at the same time, though not out of the same dish as the 
men; but associate with them on equal terms, being consulted and 
honoured. Any insult to a woman is revenged, and is frequently the 
cause of war. Drunkenness is very little known, but in the case of a 
man becoming intoxicated, and in that condition insulting a woman, 
he is punished by being tied up until perfectly sober. 
Treatment of the Aged and Infirm . — In the training of children, 
obedience and great respect for parents and elders are inculcated. 
