CHAPTER IV.
HINDOO PRACTICE DURING THE PERIOD OF NUBILITY.
A WOMAN is considered nubile during the menstrual epoch, which lasts generally from the twelfth to about the fiftieth year. During the menstrual flow she is strictly prohibited from intercourse with her husband. She is enjoined to sleep on a grass bed, to shed no tears, and to take no bath. She is not to pare her nails, and should neither run nor speak aloud. She should not apply oil or sandal to her body; and she should take care not to expose herself to inclement weather. Any disregard of these rules is regarded as being injurious to the offspring. If she cries during the monthly period, the child will contract an eye disease. The smearing of the body with oil will make the child leprous. If she sleeps during the day it will become dull and sluggish. It will become deaf if she hears a very great noise, and insane if she speaks too loudly. The period for impregnation is the first sixteen days after the appearance of the menses; of these, however, the first four days are not recommended. The best
