But the birth of a daughter is considered a misfortune, and of course not the slightest notice is taken of so inauspicious an event.
This holds true among all the sects and peoples of Syria, and nothing but a Christian training and the inculcation of the pure principles of gospel morality can remove this deeply seated prejudice.

The people say the reason of their dislike of daughters is that while a son builds up the house, and brings in a wife from without and _perpetuates the family name_, the daughter pulls down the house, loses her name, and is lost to the family.
The wealthier and more aristocratic Druze sitts or ladies are taught to read by the Fakih or teacher, but the masses of the women are in brutish ignorance.

You enter a Druze house.

The woman waits upon you and brings coffee, but you see only _one eye_, the rest of the head and face being closely veiled.

In an aristocratic house, you would never be allowed to see the lady, and if she goes abroad, it is only at night, and with attendants on every side to keep off the profane gaze of strangers.