Page:The Way of a Virgin.djvu/28

Rh right hand, then while the index finger is introduced into the genital parts and worked to and fro, warm water is admitted by means of the funnel.' (Journey Across Brazil, 1828).

"Among the Sakalaves in Madagascar the young girls deflower themselves, when the parents have not previously seen to this necessary preparation for marriage.

"Among the Balanti of Senegambia, one of the most degraded races in Africa, the girls cannot find a husband until they have been deflowered by their King, who often exacts costly presents from his female subjects for putting them in condition to be able to marry.

"Barth, (1856), in describing Adamad, says that the chief of the Bagoli used to lie the first night with the daughters of the Fulba, a people under his sway. Similar facts are related of the aborigines of Brazil and of the Kinipeto Esquimaux.

"Demosthenes informs us that there was a celebrated Greek hetaira, named Mæra, who had seven slaves whom she called her daughters, so that being supposed to be free a higher price was oaid for their favours. She sold their virginity five or six times over, and ended by selling the whole lot together.

"The god Mutinus, Mutunus or Tutunus of ancient Rome used to have the new brides come and sit upon his knees, as if to offer him their virginity. St. Augustine says: 'In the celebration of nuptials the newly wed bride used to be bidden sit