The Moors never grieve for any body’s death, and would think it very improper to shed tears over the deceased, being persuaded that his soul has ascended straightway to heaven! They shave the whole body with the exception of the beard, and wrap it in a white shroud, after having washed it with care; it is then left exposed in the tent for four days, during which time the marabouts assemble round it and sing verses of the Koran. If the relations of the deceased are rich, they kill an ox to regale the singers; if they are poor they only give a little sangleh every evening. On the fifth day, they dig a grave about two feet and a half deep, and the body is laid in it on one side, with the face towards Mecca. Briars are placed upon the grave to protect it from wild beasts. If the deceased was a person of consequence, the grave is lined with mats; when it is filled up, an inscription is placed upon it; the marabouts perform the salam and return to the camp. The hassanes and zenagues do not bury their own dead, but have recourse to the marabouts, who undertake the business for a small remuneration. The women are not present at the interment of a man, nor the men at that of a woman. When a child is born its body is rubbed all over with fresh butter, which is also given to its mother to take; her face is likewise rubbed with it; she eats nothing but meat till her complete recovery. The husband takes care to be absent himself when his wife is in labour, for no sooner does a woman feel her pains coming on, than she screams in the most frightful manner, and assails her husband in the most abusive and indecent language. This is another of their customs! When the child has acquired a little strength, it is slung in a pagne, tied at the four corners to serve as a hammock. The mother usually suckles the child herself.