208 NOTES ON THE MONBUTTU.

the mbii-tree. The Lophira is very scarce in Monbuttu, but abounds in the A-Zandé country. It is hardly necessary to state that human fat is used by preference where it can be obtained.

In contrast to other tribes, where the upper, and especially the ruling classes, hold themselves strictly aloof from the serving class, a certain amount of free intercourse is allowed here. Although, as a rule, marriages take place between girls of the better classes and their equals, yet it 1s common enough to see even girls belonging to the ruling families, especially if they are not beautiful, married to men of the people. Marriages are always arranged by means of a go-between, who receives the price given for the bride, part of which is delivered to the bride’s father, the remainder being reserved for her nearest relations, and part kept back as commission. These presents consist of slaves, cattle, and especially iron. If a ruler gives his daughter in marriage, it is the custom to give with her four maidens, in order that she may not go alone, and that during the first months of married life she may have good servants. When women of the better classes leave their huts, they are always accompanied by one male servant and several maids. Although the relations which exist between servants and masters are very cordial, obedience is strictly enforced, and no servant is permitted to address a superior except in a stooping position, with the hands placed upon the knees.

It is not considered improper for a grown-up girl, though a prince’s daughter, to visit her lover at nights, even should he be a servant. Should lovers wish to marry, the girl’s father is informed of the fact, and he makes a feeble attempt to obtain payment for the bride. If the young man is rich, the price settled upon is immediately paid; if he is poor, the claim is not pressed. As a rule, the women appear to have considerable freedom in their amatory proceedings, but open prostitution is rarely seen. It is possible, however, that in the interior of the country, at a distance from the stations, other customs may be in vogue. The marriage festivities, at which presents have to be made to all who attend, often last for twenty days. Polygamy is practised throughout the country on a large scale, for wives are cheap, and may be obtained even for