Probably at no place in the world has borrowing gone to greater extremes than here.  When attempting to purchase clothing, or articles in daily use, the writer frequently found that not a single garment worn by an individual was his own; and it was usually necessary to consult several persons in order to secure a complete outfit.

Upon the death of a man, his property is taken in charge by his first wife, or by the old men, and is divided equally among his wives and children, with perhaps a little extra added to the share of the first mate.  The belongings of a free-born woman go to her children, or, in case she is barren, are given to her relatives.  In cases where both the parents are dead, the children pass into the care of the father’s family.

Despite the fact that property is owned by individuals, a large part of the labor, especially in house-building and in the fields, is done in common.  When a man desires to clear or plant a field or to build a house, he summons his friends to aid him and they respond with no idea of payment other than their food and drink, and the return of like services when they are in similar need.

BIRTH.

For about six months before and after the birth of a child the mother is relieved from hard labor; she is not allowed to taste of any thing sour, neither may she eat dried fish or flesh, lest her child be thin and weak.  The father is under no restrictions other than that he is expected to remain near to his home for a few days following the birth of a child.  Other action on his part would be considered by the spirits as an admission that he does not care for the child, and they would cause the umbilical cord to decay so that the child would die.  The mother is delivered in the regular dwelling, where she is attended by two or more midwives or mabalian.[1] She is placed with her back against an inclined board, while in her hands she holds a rope which is attached to the roof.  With the initial pains, one of the midwives massages the abdomen, while another prepares a drink made from leaves, roots, and bark, and gives it to the expectant woman.  The preparation of this concoction was taught by friendly spirits, and it is supposed to insure an easy delivery.  Still another mabalian spreads a mat in the middle of the room, and on it places valuable cloths, weapons, and gongs, which she offers to the spirits; praying that they will make the birth easy and give good health to the infant.  The articles offered at this time can be used by their former owners but as they are now the property of the spirits they must not be sold or traded.  The writer was very anxious to secure an excellent weapon which had been thus offered.  The user finally agreed to part with it but first he placed it beside another of equal value, and taking a piece of betel nut he rubbed each weapon with it a number of times, then dipping his fingers in the water he touched both the old and the new blades,