90 UGANDA AND THE EGYPTIAN SOUDAN, The food should always be sent on trays, covered with a cloth to protect it from the evil eye. A few days before the marriage, it is the custom of the bridegroom to go with two or three of his friends to the bride's house, where the ceremony of betrothal takes place. The bride's father, taking hold of the bridegroom's hand, says, " I, on behalf of So-and-so, marry her to you." The bridegroom then says, "I, So-and-so, take So-ando from you, and promise to protect her, and call on all present to witness :" this is repeated three times. Then a half or two-thirds of the dowry, the amount of which has previously been arranged, is given ; the remaining part being withheld, to be paid to the wife on her divorce or on her husband's death.

After sunset on the day of the marriage we sallied forth, accompanied by several of the bridegroom's friends, who with a number of servants carrying lamps, had come to conduct us to the house. We soon reached it, and there was no mistaking which was the right one ; for the sounds of music and singing could be heard for a long distance, and the front of the house was prettily decorated with numerous diflferent-coloured lamps.

On entering we found a large number of people sitting round the courtyard, on angarebs or on carpets spread out on the floor. Cofiee, sherbet, lemonade, and cigarettes were being handed round. As we were the most distinguished guests on this