The great book of _Rites and Customs_ regulating the conduct of widows, of widowers--in fact, the observances of _Society_ generally--I have never been able to see. It is in the care and under the constant supervision of a High-Caste of exalted state, from whose authority there is no appeal, styled _Missus Grundy_. I think a stranger can in no case be allowed to see this Illustrious, nor the Book. Indeed, I was told that no one, not even Royalty itself, could inspect the Book, nor challenge this authority. It is hereditary in the mighty Grundy family; and the head of the House is believed to be infallible in social observances. Another remarkable thing is, there is never a failure in the succession--a Grundy is always on hand! Now, _Missus Grundy_ speaks with more tolerance as to Widowers: they are not absolutely liable to decapitation if they marry again in less than twelve moons. Widowers, for reasons I do not know, are favourites with the Barbarian females; and young women with money will give all they possess to get a Widower, even when he have many children. It may be because of the love for the "_pretty dears_," as the young ones are called; but, whatever the cause, the fact is certain. To gratify these gushing females, _Missus Grundy_ allows a Widower to marry in a less time than twelve moons: it is so desirable that the _pretty dears_ should have the tender care of a new (step) mother! As the Barbarians have no _Halls of Ancestors_, where the family preserve with dutiful care the records of the virtuous dead--inscribed on tablets of brass or polished stone--and where, arranged in due order, stand the marble busts of those more distinguished--they soon forget the dead. The High-Castes sometimes set up monuments in public places; in Temples and the Temple-burial grounds; and inscribe thereon lofty panegyrics, as false in fact as they are bad in style--and no more thought is given to them. In truth, these monuments are always considered to be to the honour of the _living_--who take the occasion to display their own wealth, characters, titles, or taste. The Lower-Castes do but little more than hurry to the grave the dead body, and dismiss the "unpleasant topic" as quickly as possible--imitating as well as they are able the High-Caste, by setting up a _Stone-slab_, carved with a ruder but not truer description. Couplets in verse are often added; and, as giving an idea of the humorous and coarse conceit of the Barbarian mind, I will insert some of these _Inscriptions_.