NARRATIVE OF AN 



CHAP. For exertion and adivity, their fhape is afliiredly pre*^ 

 ^ -^-^ ferable to ours, being generally ftrong and miifcular near 

 the trunk, and flender towards the extremities; they have 

 moftly a remarkable fine cheft, but are fmall about the 

 hips ; their buttocks are more prominent, and their necks 

 are thicker than ours ; the thighs are ftrong, as alfo the 

 arms above the elbow, but the wrifts and lower part of 

 the legs are very {lender; and a good deal indeed of the 

 Herculean make of the late Broughton the pugilift may- 

 be traced in the form of a vigorous negro. As to the 

 €rookednefs of their limbs, it is to be accounted for by 

 the manner in which they are carried whilft infants upon* 

 the mother's back, their tender legs being tied clbfe round; 

 each fide of her waift, which occafions that unnatural 

 bent, with which they are not born : nor are their 

 children ever taught to walk, but left to creep amongft 

 ; the fand and grafs, until they gradually acquire flrength' 



and inclination to ere£l themfelves, which they do very^ 

 foon ; by this cuftom, however, the pofition of their fee& 

 is much negle^led, yet by exercife, and daily bathing,, 

 they acquire that ftrength and agility, for which they- 

 ' are fo remarkable. 



Another cuftom which,, in their opinion, conduces- 

 much to their health and vigour is, that, during the twO'^ 

 years in which the mothers fuckle their children, they; 

 frequently make them fwailow large quantities of water,, 

 after which they fiiake tliem twice a day, with much 

 violence ; they are then taken by a leg or an arm, and: 



toffed;, 



