A MARKET FOR MARRIAGEABLE DAUGHTERS.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 786, 9 March 1871, Page 3

A MARKET FOR MARRIAGEABLE DAUGHTERS.

Visitors to London have been rather astonished by our Baby Show; but what shall we say to an annual fair for marriageable young girls 1 Such a show took place on the lith and 12th of July, and is of immemorial custom among the Roumanians. As the time for the fair approaches, the fathers whose children are marriageable collect what they can aiford as a dowry. Whatever this con-

sists of, it is packed, if possible in a cart or carriage, and on the appointed day they all —fathers, children and chattels —start for some trystiug place, generally chosen among the western mountains of Transylvania. When the fair is opened, the fathers climb to the top of their carriages and shout with the whole power of their lungs, " I have a daughter to marry. Who wants a wife V The call is answered by some other parent who has a son he is anxious to pair off. The two parents compare notes, and, if the marriage portion issatisfactory, thetreaty is there and then concluded. The young man takes possession of his wife with all her goods and chattels, and drives off merrily. If, on the other hand, the match is not equal, or for some other reason unsatisfactory, then the parents begin to cry their live merchandise once more.