HIMALA MOUNTAINS. 
239 
that ere the water reaches the bottom, more than half 
of it ascends in vapour, and furnishes continual mois- 
ture to the luxuriant vegetation around. Along the 
banks of this river are a race of Hindoos, who, like 
the Parsees, worship the sun; the devout among 
them will on no account taste food while the orb is 
above the horizon, and many are found who refuse 
to seat themselves during the day, while the sun is 
visible, which, during all the summer months, is from 
his rising until his setting, this season being cloudy. 
It is common in these parts for the women to be 
blessed with a plurality of husbands ; some of them 
have as many as six or seven. When a woman has 
been fortunate enough to gain one who is comparatively 
opulent, she is sure to attract a large number of suitors, 
since she regulates her husband’s household, and dis- 
poses of his wealth at her pleasure ; it is said, that she 
will often put her well-to-do lord and master upon 
short commons, while she heaps favour upon the 
poorest, if they respectively deserve such treatment. 
The men appear to be as devoted and submissive as 
the wives are imperious ; for at festivals, and on other 
public occasions, it is usual for the women to take the 
lead, followed by their proper retinue of husbands, who 
take precedence entirely at her good will and pleasure ; 
and it is not at all an unusual thing for a wife to send 
three or four of her husbands off in different directions 
a few weeks’ journey, either to sell or purchase sheep 
and goats, to seek for her some coveted treasure, or to 
