248 



THE WORLD 8 WONDERS. 



assumed what they considered the most graceful attitudes, and 

 then danced up to the band. In a short time the buglers could 

 hardly blow their instruments for laughing at the extraordinary 

 effect of their performance. A fantastic crowd surrounded 

 them, and every minute added to their number. The women 

 were entirely naked ; thus the effect of a female crowd, bounding 

 madly about as musical enthusiasts, was very extraordinary. 

 Even the babies were brought out to dance : and these infants 



MUSIC-CHARMED SAVAGES. 



strapped to their mothers' backs, and covered with pumpkin 

 shells, like young tortoises, were jolted about without the slightest 

 consideration for the weakness of their necks by their infatuated 

 mothers. As usual, among all tribes in Central Africa, the old 

 women were even more determined dancers than the young girls. 

 Several old Venuses were making themselves extremely ridicu- 

 lous, as they sometimes do in civilized countries when attempting 

 the allurements of younger days. 



