256 
LETTERS FROM HIGH LATITUDES. 
the snow—she is dowered by her father with a certain 
number of deer, which are immediately branded with 
her initials, and thenceforth kept apart as her especial 
property. In proportion as they increase and multiply 
does her chance improve of making a good match. 
Lapp courtships are conducted pretty much in the same 
fashion as in other parts of the world. The aspirant, as 
soon as he discovers that he has lost his heart, goes off 
in search of a friend and a bottle of brandy. The friend 
enters the tent, and opens simultaneously—the brandy 
—and his business; while the lover remains outside, 
engaged in hewing wood, or some other menial employ¬ 
ment. If after the brandy and the proposal have been 
duly discussed, the eloquence of his friend prevails, he 
is himself called into the conclave, and the young people 
are allowed to rub noses. The bride then accepts from 
her suitor a present of a reindeer’s tongue, and the 
espousals are considered concluded. The marriage does 
not take place for two or three years afterwards; and 
during the interval the intended is obliged to labour in 
the service of his father-in-law, as diligently as Jacob 
served Laban for the sake of his long-loved Rachel. 
1 cannot better conclude this summary of what I 
