 Feast of Calabashes, Kory-Kory - being
determined that I should have some understanding on these matters - had, in the
course of his explanations, directed my attention to a peculiarity I had
frequently marked among many of the females, principally those of a mature age
and rather matronly appearance. This consisted in having the right hand and the
left foot most elaborately tattooed; while the rest of the body was wholly free
from the operation of the art, with the exception of the minutely dotted lips
and slight marks on the shoulders, to which I have previously referred as
comprising the sole tattooing exhibited by Fayaway, in common with other young
girls of her age. The hand and foot thus embellished were, according to
Kory-Kory, the distinguishing badge of wedlock, so far as that social and highly
commendable institution is known among these people. It answers, indeed, the
same purpose as the plain gold ring worn by our fairer spouses.
    After Kory-Kory's explanation of the subject, I was for some time studiously
respectful in the presence of all females thus distinguished, and never ventured
to indulge in the slightest approach to flirtation with any of their number.
Married women, to be sure! - I knew better than to offend them.
    A further insight, however, into the peculiar domestic customs of the
inmates of the valley did away in a measure with the severity of my scruples,
and convinced me that I was deceived in some at least of my conclusions. A
regular system of polygamy exists among the islanders, but of a most
extraordinary nature - a plurality of husbands, instead of wives; and this
solitary fact speaks volumes for the gentle disposition of the male population.
Where else, indeed, could such a practice exist, even for a single day? -
Imagine a revolution brought about in a Turkish seraglio, and the harem rendered
the abode of bearded men; or conceive some beautiful woman in our own country
running distracted at the sight of her numerous lovers murdering one another
before her eyes, out of jealousy for the unequal distribution of her favours!
Heaven defend us from such a state of things! We are scarcely amiable and
forbearing enough to submit to it.
    I was not able to learn what particular ceremony was observed in forming the
marriage contract, but am inclined to think that it must have been of a very
simple nature. Perhaps the mere popping the question, as it is termed with us,
might have been followed by an immediate nuptial alliance. At any rate, I have
more than one reason to believe that tedious courtships are unknown in the
valley of
