perfume, which retains its force for months, attracted
by the warmth of the head.

This comb is made out of one small part of the wood of a rare tree, the
rest of which has no particular virtue; so that from a whole tree, only
a single comb is obtained. Such combs are used solely for the brides,
and for every bride a fresh one is provided. The hair is combed down
loosely, the long hair hanging about the neck, shoulders, bosom, and
waist.

The marriage costume is generally purple and gold, the rich being
magnificently attired, and wearing beautiful jewels in the hair, on a
small turban worn on the crown of the head, on the bosom, waist, hands,
arms, and one of the feet, which is bare, while the other foot is
covered with what may be called a silk sock, bearing various
inscriptions, such as--

"May thy footsteps lead thee to virtue."
"May thy footsteps bring thee and thine to glory."

The bride is radiant with light and beauty; her face is not allowed to
be hidden, and her neck, shoulder, and bosom are left bare on one side.

The parties meet in a great public hall, and in presence of witnesses,
after stating their wish to be "doubled," _i.e._ married, sign a scroll,
which the friends present subscribe.

The names of the newly-married pair are written in large clear
characters, and affixed to the wall, that all passing by may see them.

The size and height of the hall are immense, but when after a certain
time the scrolls accumulate, they can easily be rolled and raised
higher, and with equal facility be lowered when this is requisite.

The civil ceremony over, we have feasting and rejoicing, and certain
observances not unlike what formerly took place in some of the marriages
among the more cultivated Eastern nations in your planet.

Seven young maidens wait at the bridegroom's house to receive the bride.
The room intended for the reception of the married pair is beautifully
arranged, various-coloured ornamental glass reflecting subdued tints on
the objects around.

On each side of the bridal couch is the figure of an angel holding a
scroll exhorting to wisdom, purity, love and truth. Hidden in the
drapery of the couch are self-playing instruments, whose soft music,
awakened by the agitation of the air, and accompanied by delicate
perfumes, sounds like the song of angels.

The bridesmaids undress the bride and throw over her a silver-gauze
transparent lace, which gives her a fairy-like, vapoury appe