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88 BIBMAH.
" In the management of internal household affairs,
the wife takes the principal share. She goes herself
to the market, or directs purchases to be made, and
superintends the cooking, or does it with her own
hands. As opportunity presents, she brings in . her
contribution to the domestic establishment, by spinning,
weaving, trafficking in bazar articles, or by
keeping a shop and vending merchandise. In conducting
the general family concerns, she is by no
means excluded: her judgment is consulted, given
with perfect freedom, and seldom entirely disregarded.
The female branches of the family are not recluses
here, neither are they reserved or shy in their manners;
they form a constituent part of domestic and
public society. They esteem it happy to become
mothers, but consider the birth of a son as a more
fortunate event than that of a daughter. They in
general nurse their children till they arrive at the age
of three or four. As they are seldom blessed with a
numerous progeny, the increase of population is slow. . . .
The wife of a judge or governor is often seen at his
side, assisting in the decision of causes ;
and the wives
of viceroys and other high officers are often permitted
to hold their own courts, and decide independently on
petitions presented to them. Women of all ranks
enjoy a high degree of freedom, appear abroad unveiled
whenever they choose, ornamented according
to the taste and fashion of the country, and add zest
to public scenes of amusement by their presence and
gaiety.
" In the formation of their matrimonial connexions,
there is generally an appropriate preface of personal
acquaintance and plighted love. In the ceremony of
marriage, little expense is incurred either of time or
of money. A feast of good things, according to the