containing betel nut. This is an offering to Eugpamolak Manobo, who is
besought to drive from the field any _tigbanawa_ or _tagamaling_[22] who
may live there, to keep the workers in good health, to allow an abundant
crop, and, finally, to make the owner rich and happy. The weeds, brush,
and trees, after being cut and allowed to dry are fired, while the logs
remaining after this initial burning are piled together and again set on
fire, and the field is ready for the planting. No soil is broken and not
a seed goes into the ground until the spirits again designate the time,
by placing the constellation _Marara_ in the sky. This appears early in
April, and is followed by a period of great activity in the fields. If,
for any reason, the owner of the land cannot plant at this time, he has
two or more opportunities given him when the constellations _Mamari_ and
_Bwaya_ appear, the latter toward the end of June.

[21] See p. 66, Fig. 12.

[22] Evil spirits which are classed with the _buso_. See p. 107.

When the workers go to the field on the day set for the planting they
enter at one corner and proceed directly across it to the far left hand
corner where they erect a small house or place a _tambara_ which is
known as _pEmEg'ge_. As soon as it is complete, the _mabalian_ begin to
call on the spirits. Manama[23] is called first and after him other
spirits, according to their rank and power. They are informed that the
planting is about to begin and that the people are showing them this
mark of respect so that they will not allow anything to interfere with
the crop. This done, they go to the center of the field and place a
second _tambara_, called _parobanian_, for the spirit Taragomi, who owns
all food. Leaves pleasing to him and presents of food or bracelets are
placed in it, as well as in his _tambara_ found in the house.[24] The