334 
CIRCUMCISION. 
half a mile, when they are laid on the ground, and 
covered with a cloak, or skin, so as not to see what 
is passing amongst the adults, who proceed with 
the ceremony. Three of them now commence 
limping, and making a peculiar groaning noise, 
until they arrive opposite one of the boys, upon 
whom they seize. The individual laid hold of, 
jumps up, and runs off at full speed, as if he in- 
tended to escape ; the three, before occupied in 
limping and groaning, run with him to prevent this, 
and after three or four races, all four run over the 
place where the boys are covered up, and the boy, 
who had been trying to escape, is caught, and laid 
down near the other boys, and covered with dust. 
He is now supposed to be in a state of enchantment, 
from which he is aroused by being lifted up by the 
ears, at the same time that loud noises are made into 
them. All the men now, except the sick, form 
themselves into a circle, and keep walking round in 
single file, the first individual having a katto, or 
long stick held down his back. After a few circles 
this is given to another ; a short rest is taken, and 
then the whole party rise, except the sick, the 
inspired men, or sorcerers, and those upon whom 
the operation is to be performed, and proceed to a 
short distance, the man with the katto down his 
back leading. When assembled, they form into a 
line, and at word of command commence the pecu- 
liar stamping and groaning, beginning at the far end 
of the line, and gradually advancing towards the 
