" It is the
last formula,--the ceremony is accomplished. This may seem very simple
and ridiculous; to me it appeared almost sublime. Opinions depend upon
habits and education.
The husband remains a whole year with his father-in-law, to whom belongs
by right the produce of his hunting, both skins and flesh. The year
expired, his bondage Is over, and he may if he wishes it, retire with
his wife to his own father's, or construct a lodge for his own use. The
hunter brings his game to his door, except when a heavy animal; there
ends his task; the wife skins and cuts it; she dries the skin and cures
the meat. Yet if the husband is a prime hunter, whose time is precious,
the woman herself, or her female relations, go out and seek the game
where It has been killed. When a man dies, his widow wears mourning
during two or four years; the same case happens with the widower, only
his duties are not so strict as that of a woman; and it often happens
that, after two years, he marries his sister-in-law, if there is any.
The Indians think it a natural thing; they say that a woman will have
more care of her sister's children than of those of a stranger. Among
the better classes of Indians, children are often affianced to each
other, even at the age of a few months. These engagements are sacred,
and never broken.
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