the Bagobo. The nearest approach to that class is a group of women known
as _lokEs_[82], who act as midwives and make use of roots and herbs in
curing sickness.

[82] In Santa Cruz known as _bagbabolan_ or _mananagámen_.

The people are warned of disaster or impending danger by various signs.
A snake crossing the trail is an imperative order for the traveler to
turn back; the call of the _limokon_[83] is likewise a warning, while
should one of the principals to any agreement sneeze during the
negotiations the project would be delayed or abandoned.

[83] See p. 63 note.

There is only slight development of beliefs and ceremonies in connection
with the cultivation of field crops, due probably to the recent adoption
of agriculture by the members of this tribe. A field is seldom planted
to rice for more than one season, after which the land is used for corn,
camotes, and the like, until the invasion of _cogon_ grass makes further
cultivation impossible.

As a result new land must be broken for each planting. When the
constellation _layag_ "a sail" and _balangay_ "a boat" appear in the
month of December, the people go to the desired plot, cut down the
trees, and when these are dry, fire them.

Before the planting can be begun the seed rice must be carried to the
center of the field where a bamboo pole, _talabinian_, and a stalk of
sugar-cane have previously been placed, as an offering to the _kalaloa_
who guard the land. Again at harvest time an offering of food is taken