er carried to the
limit of tyranny, we may note the Nicaraguans, of whom Bancroft states
that "the husbands are said to have been so much under the control of
their wives that they were obliged to do the housework, while the
women attended to the trading." Under these circumstances it is
perhaps not surprising to find the women described as "great shrews,
who would on the slightest provocation drive their offending husbands
out of the house."[68] This is a curious case of the despotic rule of
women. Westermarck accounts for their position by the strict monogamy
that is enforced, but I do not think this can be the true
explanation.[69]

[66] Bancroft, _op. cit._, Vol. I, p. 549.

[67] Bancroft, _op. cit._, Vol. I, p. 277. Power's _Tribes of
California_, pp. 22, 56.

[68] Bancroft, _op. cit._, Vol. II, p. 685.

[69] _History of Human Marriage_, p. 500.

Among the Guanas the women make their own stipulations with their
lovers before marriage, arranging what they are to do in the
household. They are also said to decide the conditions of the
marriage, whether it is to be monogamous, or if polygamy or polyandry
is to be allowed.[70] The Zapotecs and other tribes inhabiting the
Isthmus of Tehuantepec, are remarkable for "the gentleness, affection,
and frugality that characterises the marital relations. Polygamy is
not permitted, which is very remarkable as the women greatly outnumber
the men."[71]

[70] Azara, _Voyages dans l'Amerique Meridionale_, Vol. II,
p. 93.

[71] Bancroft, _op. cit._, Vol. I, pp. 661-662.

Lastly, I wish to bring forward a very striking example of the
complete maternal family among the Seri Indians, on the south-west
coast of North America, now reduced to a single tribe. Their curious
and interesting marriage customs have been described by McGee, who
visited the people to report on their customs for the American
Government. The Seri are probably the most primitive tribe in the
American continent. At the time of Mr. McGee's visit they preserved
the maternal system in its early form, and are therefore an
instructive example by which to estimate the position of the
women.[72]

[72] "The Beginning of Marriage," _American Anthropologist_,
Vol. IX, p. 376. Also _Rep. Bur. Ethn._, XVII, 275.

"The tribe is divided into exogamous totem clans. Marriage
is arranged exclusively by the women. The elder woman of the
suitor's family carries the pro