552 
TIBET. 
viding for, a numerous family, exposes her new-born infant to perish 
/ 
in the fields : a crime, however odious, by no means, I am assured, 
unfrequent. With this, the Tibetians never can be charged. Their 
custom, as it eventually operates against superabundant population, 
tends also to prevent domestic discords, arising from a division of 
family interests, and to concentrate all the spirit, and all the virtues, 
inherent in illustrious blood. 
The ceremonies of marriage are neither tedious nor intricate in 
Tibet. Their courtships are carried on with little art, and quickly 
brought to a conclusion. The elder brother of a family, to whom the 
choice belongs, when enamoured of a damsel, makes his proposal to the 
parents. If his suit is approved, and the offer accepted, the parents, 
with their daughter, repair to the suitor’s house, where the male and 
female acquaintance of both parties meet and carouse for the space of 
three days, with music, dancing, and every kind of festivity. At the 
expiration of this time, the marriage is complete. The priests of Tibet, 
who shun the society of women, have no share in these ceremonies, 
or in ratifying the obligation between the parties. Mutual consent is 
their only bond of union, and the parties present are witnesses to the 
contract, which, it seems, is formed indissolubly for life. The hus¬ 
band has it not in his power to rid himself of a troublesome compa¬ 
nion, nor the wife to withdraw herself from the husband, unless indeed 
the same unison of sentiment that joined their hands, should prompt 
their separation; but in such a case, they are never left at liberty to 
form a new alliance. Instances of incontinency are rare, but if a mar¬ 
ried female be found to violate her compact, the crime is expiated by 
