2 70 
THE BIOTA OF JOHOllE, 
rudely forced into a wider intercourse with the world until chrisfci- 
anity has given them something of its kindness, its reverence, and its 
power. 
Marriage, Birth, Burial. —Betrothment prevails and some¬ 
times takes place at a very early age on the part of the unconscious girl 
in most if not in all the tribes. Amongst the Besisi a child of a 
few years old is not unfrequently betrothed to her intended husband 
who takes her to his house and brings her up.* The Malays declare 
that when a marriage has been agreed upon amongst the Binua, the 
relatives of both parties assemble at the house of the bride, who is 
placed in a canoe by herself, supplied with a paddle, and sent down the 
stream. When she has got a start of one or two reaches the bride¬ 
groom enters a canoe and gives clause. Should he succeed in over¬ 
taking the fair one, she is his wife. If he fail, the match is broken 
off. As most of the young women have good stout arms, and can 
well use the paddle, it is to be supposed that love usually unnerves 
them, and gives the victory to the bridegroom. This account of 
the marriage customs however l believe to be incorrect, although it 
may have a foundation in the practise of former days. According to 
the Binuas the union is arranged by the parents, and the ceremony 
consists simply in the parties eating from the same plate. After 
partaking of a repast the relatives of the bridegroom depart, leaving 
him to pass the night in the bride’s house. Next day he carries her 
home. A small present is sent to the bride’s parents previous to 
the marriage. The Batins and their families send 40 pingans on 
such occasions, other persons sometimes 20 pingans. If the lady 
has already known the bonds of matrimony, no ceremony whatever is 
used. She repairs to the house of her new husband, and installs 
herself as mistress. Amongst the Berumn tribes the husband either 
takes up his residence in the house of his wife’s parents, or makes one 
in their ladang,. Most of the Bimuis have one wife, but some 
have two, and there does not appear to be any rule on the subject. 
The Mintira are restricted to one wife. 
The wife’s mother generally acts as midwife, but when absent the 
husband himself supplies her place. The Mintira place the wife 
near the fire in order to drive away the evil spirits who are believed 
to drink human blood when they can find it. At tire birth a string, 
to which pieces of kunyet, bangli &c. are fastened, is hound round 
Amongst the Dyaks near Banjermasing betrothal frequently takes 
place at the age of 4 or 6 years, 
