UPSITTING. 
165 
a blanket (asleep, apparently, no doubt), when two 
upsittings have been going on, at opposite corners of 
a large room, all still as the grave, but the subdued 
whisperings of the happy pairs. 
There is something very charming about the whole 
proceeding; at all events, it had the effect of banish¬ 
ing all inclination to sleep, and I came to the conclu¬ 
sion that taking an active part for the future would 
be far more preferable than again being merely a 
passive spectator. 
They are a primitive, hospitable, good-hearted 
set ; marry very young ; live to a good old age 
generally; and very frequently have large fami¬ 
lies, and most of them are very comfortably off, 
and take things very easy. Some of the poorer, 
however, both live and work very hard; but their 
wants are few, as they are brought up to do every¬ 
thing for themselves. Groceries, prints, and mole¬ 
skin are all the poorer classes buy, except powder 
and lead; almost all other requirements they make 
for themselves. And the upsitting business I con¬ 
sider about the best of their old customs. All 
matches are then and there clenched, provided you 
are both of one mind, and brought to a speedy 
conclusion : no very long engagements, for no pur¬ 
pose whatever. The dower of the bride generally 
consists in some cows, sheep, and goats; a span of 
oxen (twelve), and a quiet riding horse — if the 
bridegroom can furnish about the same, with a 
wagon. They start life very comfortably, and with 
