on a bier of wood. No food is placed upon it and the body is naked, its head to the west. The lama only says prayers in the tent immediately after death has occurred. Formerly guests were entertained at a funeral, but this has been abolished under the influence of the lamas. The ashes are kneaded into a burkhun which is placed in a wooden box and buried.
Marriages are arranged by the parents. Girls are not betrothed until they reach the age of 15. Men marry between the ages of 15 and 3o, girls between 17 and 3o. Widows do not marry again unless the husband has left no property, but widowers usually remarry. An only daughter does not marry. Wives are bought. To make the marriage agreement two men are sent to the girl's parents. They extol the great advantages of the proposed bridegroom and discuss the price of the girl and the size of her marriage portion. If an agreement is come to, tea, spirits and meat are offered. Prior to the betrothal the young couple can meet as often as they like, but subsequently they are not permitted to see each other until the wedding. The two spokesmen return after a time with the promised number of cows, sheep and horses, for the price is always paid in cattle. Now the bridegroom comes with them. All three are entertained as well as possible and the bridegroom is usually presented with a scarf by the parents of the bride. About a month later the bride's dowry is ready and the wedding ceremony is performed. Lamas are invited to say prayers in the homes of both bride and bridegroom. Accompanied by her mother and all the guests who have assembled and been entertained, the bride sets forth on horseback for her new home. Her hair is brushed at home and decorated with rings, clasps and buttons — the tokens of a married woman. She wears the greater part of her dowry, the rest being brought with her. The dowry consists of clothing, hair ornaments and cattle according to her parents' means and in the case of rich weddings a suit of clothing for the bridegroom. The wedding
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