389 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS
well have 'exclaimed with honest Laun-
celot-" Alas! fifteen -wives is nothing."
At the same time it may be observed, that
this xirtumitance is attended with far 1fe
inconvenience than -might possibly be
found annuxed to it in most other situa-
tions, the ,numerous c.timants for the
affection or ftavour of tIeiir lord neve
discovering the least jealousy or hatred
towards each other.
 A singular custom is scrupulously ob-
served by the women of this nation. At
the time of parturition, an habitation is
prepared for them in the deepest recesses
of the' woods, to which with a female
assistant they retire, and -where they re-
main secluded from every eye for a statid
period This-past, a publi iuAtrattion of
themselves and offspring must take pike
previouto-- their being again admitted t&-
the society of their relativen ~ d intlA.
 These Indians may in onte rWet~ be,
 thought to resemble the Improvisatori of