338 TRAVELS IN 
Though I have had it in my power to Interro- 
gate, refpeding its origin, the nations that prac- 
tife it, I cannot flatter myfelf with knowing 
more of it than other travellers, Thofe of the 
GheyfTiquas whom 1 queftioned on the fubjedt 
gave me fuch an abfurd reafon, that I almoft 
hefitate to repeat it. According to them, it was 
a mark of diftindion which their anceftors, be- 
ing at war with the neighbouring nations, in- 
vented for the purpofe of knowing one another. 
On fuch occafions I am well aware that peo- 
j)Ie nearly naked, and refembling each other 
in features and complexion, ftand in need of 
diftlnguiOung marks and means of knowing 
their fellows. It is with this view that moft 
of the nations that furnifli flaves to Europeans, 
as the Loangoes,Pomboes, Cormantins, Aboes, 
Papas, &c. fear their faces, arms, breads, and 
all the forepart of the body from head to foot. 
The figure and arrangement of thefe fears are 
fuch, that each nation may be diftinguiflied at 
firft fight, and even at a diftance. At Surinam I 
have obferved the flaves brought for fale pro- 
duce a greater or lefs price, according to the 
fears by which their country Vv^as diiiinguifhed. 
That external marks thus apparent may 
have 
