in the world has borrowing gone to greater extremes
than here. When attempting to purchase clothing, or articles in daily
use, the writer frequently found that not a single garment worn by an
individual was his own; and it was usually necessary to consult several
persons in order to secure a complete outfit.

Upon the death of a man, his property is taken in charge by his first
wife, or by the old men, and is divided equally among his wives and
children, with perhaps a little extra added to the share of the first
mate. The belongings of a free-born woman go to her children, or, in
case she is barren, are given to her relatives. In cases where both the
parents are dead, the children pass into the care of the father's
family.

Despite the fact that property is owned by individuals, a large part of
the labor, especially in house-building and in the fields, is done in
common. When a man desires to clear or plant a field or to build a
house, he summons his friends to aid him and they respond with no idea
of payment other than their food and drink, and the return of like
services when they are in similar need.

BIRTH.

For about six months before and after the birth of a child the mother is
relieved from hard labor; she is not allowed to taste of any thing sour,
neither may she eat dried fish or flesh, lest her child be thin and
weak. The father is under no restrictions other than that he is expected
to remain near to his home for a few days following the birth of a
child. Other action on his part would be considered by the spirits as an
admission that he does not care for the child, and they would cause the
umbilical cord to decay so that the child would die. The mother is
delivered in the regular dwelling, where she is attended by two or more
midwives or _mabalian_.[34] She is placed with her back against an
inclined board, while in her hands she holds a rope which is attached to
the roof. With the initial pains, one of the midwives massages the
abdomen, while another prepares a drink made from leaves, roots, and
bark, and gives it to the expectant woman. The preparation of this
concoction was taught by friendly spirits, and it is supposed to insure
an easy delivery. Still another _mabalian_ spreads a mat in the middle
of the room, and on it places valuable cloths, weapons, and gongs, which
she offers to the spirits; praying that they will make the birth easy
and give good health to the infant. The articles offered at