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support enormous weights, by which they become monstrously 
elongated and hypertrophied. 
16. In many parts, more particularly of Africa, it is a common 
practice to produce large raised scars on the forehead, cheeks, 
nose, or chin, forming patterns peculiar to different tribes. The 
form and mode of making these scars should be noticed, and whe¬ 
ther they are regarded as race, or family, or rank characters &c. 
C. Dental Deformations. 
17. It is chiefly in Africa also that the custom of deforming the 
teeth is practised; and as different modes of doing it prevail 
amongst different tribes, the characters afforded in this way will 
probably be found of considerable ethnographical importance. 
The practice appears in general to be limited to the front or 
incisor teeth, and consists either in extracting, or, more usually 
perhaps, in breaking off one or more of them, or of filing them 
either to single sharp points or in serrate fashion. 
The reasons for this practice, if any are assigned, should be 
ascertained, and, as in other cases, whether it is exercised upon 
one or both sexes, or is distinctive or not of rank, &c. 
D. Deformation of the Trunk and Limbs. 
The principal deformations to be noticed under this head are:— 
18. As regards the trunk : (a) alteration in the form or hin¬ 
drance to the development of the breasts, which is effected b} r 
the methodical application of bandages and compresses. 
The most usual object, however, aimed at is to produce 
elongation of the mamma, which is thus rendered capable of 
being either thrown over the mother’s shoulder or under the arm, 
so that the infant can suck whilst carried on the mother’s back. 
( b ) Amongst some of the Caffre tribes the preternatural elon¬ 
gation of the nipple is commenced in early life by manipulation 
and the binding of it round with a narrow fillet or tape. 
19. The chief deformation practised upon the extremities is 
(a) that of the feet peculiar to the Chinese women, with regard 
to which we already possess a great amount of information. 
(b) Amongst some African tribes it has been stated that am¬ 
putation of part or the whole of one of the fingers is practised. 
Should this be observed, the fact is one well worthy of record, 
together with the reasons that may be assigned for it. 
(c) The practice of castration may also perhaps be included 
under the head of deformation or mutilation. The mode in 
which the operation is performed, the age at which it takes 
place, and the reasons assigned for it should all be duly noticed. 
