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No. LXIV.—TRIBAL MARKS. 
Including all party badges, whether worn on the person or 
otherwise \ origin of heraldry, &c. 
No. LXV.—CIRCUMCISION. 
By Col. LANE FOX. 
The practice of circumcision prevails, or has prevailed, in 
parts of Asia, Africa, and America, being confined chiefly to 
the equatorial and southern regions of the globe. It is un¬ 
doubtedly of great antiquity, and was described as an ancient 
custom even in the time of Herodotus. So peculiar and painful 
a custom appears less likely to have arisen independently in 
different centres than others for which ordinary causes can be 
assigned; and it will therefore be of interest to trace all the 
varieties of the custom as it is practised amongst different tribes 
and races, and to record the reasons given for it at the present 
time or in the past history of the people. 
1. Does the custom prevail at the present time ? or is it known 
to have existed in times past P 2. Is it known, though not 
practised? and is it spoken of as a barbarous custom when 
practised by others ? 3. Is it performed upon males or females, 
or both p 4. At what age is it performed on males and females ? 
5. Does the custom in regard to males and females appear to 
have the same or a different origin ? 6. Who performs the 
operation on the different sexes—old women, priests, or mid¬ 
wives ? 7. Is the position of circumcisor considered especially 
honourable ? 8. Is it illegal after a certain age P 9. Is the 
n t held with any special instrument? 10. Is any special 
fe or scissors used for the purpose ? 11. Is it performed 
with a knife of flint or stone ? and what is the reason given for 
this P 12. What is the part cut off in males ? ditto in females ? 
13. Is it fully performed ? or is it only a vestige of the custom ? 
14. Are any other incisions made upon the body at the same 
time P what is their meaning ? Give drawings of them. lo. 
Does this apply to males and females alike ? 16. What is done 
