If the couple have had any serious dissension during the year the religious ceremony is postponed, but great efforts are made to reconcile the difference, and if these are successful the solemnity takes place.

When, on the other hand, a reconciliation cannot be effected, the law insists on a separation of the parties, who, however, may be reconciled at any time.  As neither is allowed to marry again, polygamy is forbidden, and as irregularities are out of the question, a reconciliation can almost always be effected, unless, indeed, there is some cause sufficiently grave to render a separation necessarily final.  Such causes are exceptional in the extreme.

* * * * *

The precautions taken in the selection of a husband and the watchfulness of our system, prevent any great incompatibility of disposition, and the existence of those evils which formerly were of daily occurrence.  Provision is made even for those accidents which sometimes occur after marriage, and which of old had often led to disappointment and misery.  For example, when it happens that a child is still-born, or for some reason must be put out of the way, neither the father nor mother is at first made aware of the fact, but the loss is immediately supplied.  Every birth is instantly communicated by telegraph to the central department, at whatever hour of night or day it may take place.  The number registered every instant is great, and the birth of twins is a frequent occurrence.  When a child is born dead, one of a pair of twins is transferred to the mother, and placed in her arms.  If she ask any question the nurse and doctor answer her gently and kindly, but are not allowed to mention the substitution.

It is not until the patient is completely re-established, and all is in order, that she is informed of what has passed, and she has then the option of retaining the child, or of allowing it to be taken back to its own mother.  Cases of premature birth, or of deformed infants now however rarely occur, except as a consequence of accidents which cannot be prevented.

Husband and wife are now really considered and treated as one.  At places of amusement, and in public conveyances, they pay for one only.  In calculating the number of persons present, we say, for example, “there are 200 doubles, and 100 singles;” this with you would make 500—­we count them as 300 only.

XXIV.

FLOWERS.

     “In the celestial spheres, flowers breathe music as well as
     fragrance.”

Allusion has been made to the use of flowers at the “choice” meetings, as the medium through which the maiden indicates the gentleman on whom her choice has fallen.

Flowers are very beautiful in Montalluyah.  They are highly cultivated, and great pains are bestowed upon them; their names are given to stars and to women, so that often a lady will at once be associated with a beautiful flower and a brilliant star.