MARRIAGE CUSTOMS. 309 earth; a few stones are placed at the top, and if possible a head and foot stone. A fakir then repeats some prayers, and tells the dead man (for his soul is supposed to remain a short time in his body) that when the angels come to examine him, he must repeat his creed. At a funeral food or money is generally given away to the poor.

Marriages are conducted in the usual way, but there are two curious customs which obtain amongst the people and which I will mention. Before a girl marries a contract is made as to how many free nights a week she shall have, and the usual agreement is, that every fourth night shall be her own to do as she may please. The other custom holds among the Gowane people, and is this : No girl is allowed to marry until she has had a child, which she must give to her brother to be his slave. The father she may obtain where she likes ; failing to find one, she has to convince her brother that she has sought a mate in the village, by the wells, and in the field. Only after gaining her brother's permission can she marry.

Some of the customs of the dongolowees with regard to marriage are very curious ; for instance, if a village belle is to be married, her husband is chosen in the following manner :—The eligible young men of the place assemble, each armed with a kurbatch, and with the elders and woman as onlookers, begin a flogging match. The one who