MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 
201 
and no one coming forward to succeed him, they 
chose one themselves, who refused to accept of 
the appointment, on the ground that he possessed 
no power to bring rain. This they would not 
believe, but asserted that he had power, and 
gave him the customary presents, being desirous 
not only of deceiving him but themselves. 
CIRCUMCISION. 
They are entirely ignorant of the origin and 
design of this ceremony, and attend to it on the 
ground of its having been the custom of their 
forefathers. For a considerable time previous to 
their circumcision the boys must submit to many 
severe beatings, which they say is to teach them 
to be men; and during the chastisement they 
receive various advices how to behave themselves 
when they become men, the use of the rod 
serving to impress the rude instruction more 
deeply on their minds. Till near the day of 
circumcision the boys are not permitted to eat 
the flesh, only the entrails of animals ; but 
a short time before the operation they are suf- 
fered to eat a piece of the breast,* which 
* The breast of every animal slain is claimed \>y the King, 
(vide former Journal, p. 311,) and is the first part of the animal 
which the candidates for circumcision are permitted to taste.— 
