Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 December 1899 — Rigid Test tor Matrimony. [ARTICLE]

Rigid Test tor Matrimony.

Both in the northern and western islands of Scotland the natives have tame peculiar customs unfamiliar to the dwellers of the mainland. One of these, known as the "marriage test.' ts practiced in the island of St. Kild*, where the population barely exceeds a hundred. The desire among the islanders to increase this number does not seem to be exceptionally strong, a»d every man before he is deemed suitable for a husband has to perform an evolution with no little bodily risk. The St. Kilda ns are. of course, adept rock climbers, and the aspirant for matrimony ts therefore subjected to the test -of balancing himself on one leg un a narrow ledge overhanging a precipice, bending his body at tbe. same.time to order tb'hbfd the foot of Ms other leg to the hands. If found lacking to courage the maiden withdraws her betrothal, and should the man faH over the ledge, It Is presumed that, to his ease, he *rffi be UisguaUheiL " 5