54 MAMMALIA— MAN. 



one day they saw approaching, as if he had been dropped from the clouds, 

 a man of enormous stature, dancing and singing, and putting dust upon his 

 head, as they supposed in token of peace. This overture for friendship was, 

 by Magellan's command, quickly answered by the rest of his men ; and the 

 giant approaching, testified every mark of astonishment and surprise. He 

 was so tall, that the Spaniards only reached his waist ; his face was 

 broad, his color brown, and painted over with a variety of tints ; each cheek 

 had the resemblance of a heart drawn upon it ; his hair was approaching to 

 whiteness ; he was clothed in skins, and armed with a bow. Being treated 

 with kindness, and dismissed with some trifling presents, he soon returned 

 with many more of the same stature ; tAvo of whom the mariners decoyed 

 on shipboard : nothing could be more gentle than they were in the begin- 

 ning ; they considered the fetters that Avere preparing for them, a's orna- 

 ments, and played Avith them, like children with their toys ; but when they 

 found for AAdiat purpose they Avere intended, they instantly exerted their 

 amazing strength, and broke them in pieces Avith a very easy etTort. This 

 account, with a variety of other circumstances, has been confirmed by suc- 

 ceeding travellers.* 



To these varieties in the human species might be added a considerable 

 catalogue of Monsters ; but as feAv of these have survived the hour of their 

 birth, and as the detail of most of them can serve but to disgust, Ave shall 

 only trouble the reader with a few instances. The first is an affecting 

 account of the most singular production of this kind that stands recorded in 

 the History of Nature. 



On the 26th of October, 1701, at Tzoni, in Hungary, two female children 

 were born, Avhich Avere united together at the loins. They lived to the age 

 of twenty-one years. At seven years of age they Avere carried into Holland, 

 England, Italy, Russia, and into almost every country of Europe. At the 

 age of nine they Avere purchased by a pious clergyman, in order to place 

 them in a convent at Petersburgh, Avhere they remained till the 25th of 

 February, 1723, Avhen they died. 



One of these twins Avas named Helen, and the other Judith. Helen grew 

 tall, and Avas straight. Judith Avas less, and a little crooked. As they were 

 united at the loins, they could only see one another by turning their heads. 

 They in general agreed Avell together, and loved each other affectionately. 

 At six years of age Judith was affected Avith a palsy on the left side ; and 

 though afterwards she appeared cured, she always retained a strong impres- 

 sion of that malady, and her mind was ahvays heavy and weak. Helen, on 

 the contrary, Avas handsome and gay. She had a good understanding, and 

 some Avit. They had the small-pox and the measles at the same time ; but 



* The soberer narratiA'es of recent travellers have reduced the stature of the Patago- 

 nians to a more reasonalile standard ; though still leaving them the character of being a 

 tall race. From five feet ten, to six feet seven inches, appears to be the height of the 

 individuals of this tribe. 



