a large wooden spoon.  At the present time the refinements of Chinese civilization have been adopted by a large number of Nou-su, and the homes of the wealthier people are as well furnished as those of the middle-class Chinese of the district.  The women of the households also spend much time making their own and their children’s clothes.  The men have adopted Chinese dress, but the women, in most cases, retain their tribal costume with its large turban-like head-dress, its plaited skirt and intricately embroidered coat.  All this is made by hand, and the choicest years of maidenhood are occupied in preparing the clothes for the wedding-day.

“The Nou-su, it would seem, used not to beg a wife, but rather obtained her by main force.  At the present day, while the milder method generally prevails, there are still survivals of the ancient custom.  The betrothal truly takes place very early, even in infancy, and at the ceremony a fowl is killed, and each contracting party takes a rib; but as the young folk grow to marriageable age, the final negotiations have to be made.  These are purposely prolonged until the bridegroom, growing angry, gathers his friends and makes an attack on the maiden’s home.  Arming themselves with cudgels, they approach secretly, and protecting their heads and shoulders with their felt cloaks, they rush towards the house.  Strenuous efforts are made by the occupants to prevent their entering, and severe blows are exchanged.  When the attacking party has succeeded in gaining an entrance, peace is proclaimed, and wine and huge chunks of flesh are provided for their entertainment.

“Occasionally during these fights the maiden’s home is quite dismantled.  The negotiations being ended, preparations are made to escort the bride to her future home.  Heavily veiled, she is supported on horseback by her brothers, while her near relatives, all fully armed, attend her.  On arriving at the house, a scuffle ensues.  The veil is snatched from the bride’s face by her relatives, who do their utmost to throw it on to the roof, thus signifying that she will rule over the occupants when she enters.  The bridegroom’s people on the contrary try to trample it upon the doorstep, as an indication of the rigor with which the newcomer will be subjected to the ruling of the head of the house.  Much blood is shed, and people are often seriously injured in these skirmishes.  The new bride remains for three days in a temporary shelter before she is admitted to the home.  A girl having once left her parent’s home to become a wife, waits many years before she pays a return visit.  Anciently the minimum time was three years, but some allow ten or more years to elapse before the first visit home is paid.  Two or three years are then often spent with the parents.  Many friends and relatives attend any visitor, for with the Nou-su a large following is considered a sign of dignity and importance.  When a child is born a tree is planted, with the hope that as the tree grows so also will the child develop.