generally pronounces no difficulty is in the way. The matter of birthdays being settled favorably, the elders make another call for a further discussion of the preliminaries. They say, "Since birthdays do not interfere, what shall be said about the usual stock for the young couple to commence life upon, and the money for the building of a house?" for, according to Siamese custom, the bridegroom puts up the house on the premises of the bride's parents, and as near the old home as possible, so that it is almost one family. When a Siamese has several daughters married and gathered thus around the old homestead, there is quite a little family settlement. In reply to this inquiry of the elders the girl's parents will probably answer, "We are not rich and not able to give our daughter much of a dowry. How is it with the parents of the young man? What will they do for their son?" The elders reply, "It depends upon yourselves." The parents then suggest that a certain sum be appropriated for the building of the house, and name another sum for mutual trade; and it is agreed that they contribute areca-nut, red lime, seri-leaf, cakes and so forth for the wedding-feast. The plan of the new house and the number of the rooms are also specified.
The elders then return and report to the parents of the young man, and if they are satisfied a bargain is made and accepted by both parties.
All these matters being favorably settled in
