-MARJtlAOjE. 
fed, as in almost all denxicivilized country's, through the instrumenta¬ 
lity of old persons. As she has had frequent opportunities of seeing 
him, and the parents and relatives, who are likewise consulted, seldom 
force her will, her reply is soon obtained. If favorable to the lover, 
he commences his attentions by making presents. But both sides 
secretly consult diviners to learn how rich they respectively are. 
All being arranged, the friends on both sides assemble, when the 
portion of the bride is fixed and set aside. For the poorer classes 
her portion consists in a small sum of money, and a few cattle per¬ 
haps, and useful implements of agriculture or art. The middle ranks 
give from 12 to 24 Dollars in value, and the higher classes ad libitum. 
Independent of the mere portion, which, as among the Hindus, be¬ 
comes a property not at the disposal of the Husband , the parents 
and relatives of the parties make such presents as they can spare, to 
Increase the comforts of the couple. These consist of money, slaves, 
cattle, and other goods. During the three days previous to the mar¬ 
riage, the bridegroom lives in a room built close to the bride’s house. 
She carries his meals to him. A feast is given every day; when all 
sorts of theatrical entertainments are given and sports are exhibited. 
All the Bali passages, appropriated to such a solemnity (which us¬ 
ed formerly to be read by Priests) are now’ chaunted by the elders 
or some one versed in that language,—they are such as have been des- 
scribed already on occasions of funerals. The Siamese wrap twine 
round their hands in boxing. The Laos, like the Hindu pugilists 
are armed with metallic knobs defending the knuckles. Other games 
are, foot-ball, trials of strength, throwing of a discus across the river, 
rowing, leaping, swimming &c. Loubere has nearly in similar terms 
described the forms and ceremonies preliminary to the marriage- 
rite : observing that, after the presents have been distributed, the 
husband may consummate. It is probable that since he wrote, some 
changes hate taken place; for he has omitted an essential feature in 
the rite, namely, the uniting of the hands of the parties by means of 
a white thread. The man is placed on the right, when certain el¬ 
ders join with the thread his right hand with the right hand of the 
woman, and also place his head close to hers, A single white thread 
