such frequently have two, three or four wives, j of the neatest and handsomest of women, and who live together

and powerful

Minors did not marry except with the without variance." Widowers and widows advice of their parents or friends. Their marriage ceremonies followed their own inclinations. were very simple.

Young women were not debarred signify

ing their desire to enter matrimonial

life.

When one of them

wished to be married she covered her face with a veil and sat covered as an indication of her desire.

If she attracted a

suitor, negotiations were opened with parents or friends, pre sents given and the bride taken. Chastity was an established principle with married females. To be unchaste during wedlock was held to be very disgraceful.

"

Many of the women would prefer death, rather than submit

to be dishonored."

No Indian would keep his wife, however

much he loved her, when he knew she was unchaste.

Divorce

frequently came from disagreements, and was a simple form. The wife was handed her share of the goods and put out of

doors by the husband, and was then free to marry another.

In

cases of separation the children followed the mother, and were

frequently

the

cause of the parents coming together again.

The man who abandoned his wife without cause left her all

OF HUDSON'S RI7ER.

her property, and in like manner the wife the husband's. Foul and impertinent language was despised by them. All romping, caressing and

wanton behavior they spoke of with contempt,