EGYPT, AND SYRIA. 349 
It often happens that another operation accompanies that of 
excifion, which is not, Hke the latter, pradlifed in Egypt, viz. 
producing an artificial impediment to the vagina, with a view 
to prevent coition. This happens moft frequently in the cafe 
of flaves, whofe value would be diminiihed by impregnation, 
or even by the neceffary refult of coition, though unaccompa- 
nied by conception. But it is alfo adopted towards girls who 
are free ; the impulfe being too ftrong to be counteracted by 
any lefs firm impediment. This operation, like the former, is 
performed at all ages from eight to fixteen, but commonly from 
eleven to twelve ; nor are they who undergo it always virgins. 
In fome the parts are more eafily formed to cohere than in 
others. There are cafes in which the barrier becomes fo 
firm, that the embrace cannot be received but by the previous 
application of a fharp inftrument *. 
Among fome tribes of blacks, there exlfts a practice of pierc- 
ing the (kin in certain forms by way of ornament. — Each of 
the punctures leaves an indelible fear, as diftindtive as colour, 
which is not ufed. This pradice, which is of the fame de- 
fcription as that of fome of the South-fea iflands, is ufed on the 
face, breaft, loins, &c. 
The blacks who are cafirated for the ufe of Kahira or Con- 
ftantinople, undergo that operation in the Upper Egypt, before 
* Qiioties autem confibulat'.o fortior meatus etiam urinarii aditum claudere 
minetur, pluma vel oflea quadam tubula adhibita, illam in ore urethrse inferunt, 
ibidemque tenent, ufque dum canalis majoris aditui amplius invigilare non fit 
opus. 
their 
