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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. 
i. Does the custom prevail at the present time ? or is it 
known to have existed in times past ? 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 ? 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 midwives ? 7. Is the position of 
circumcisor considered especially honourable ? 8. Is it 
illegal after a certain age? 9. Is the operation performed 
with any special instruments ? 10. What is the part cut off 
in males ? ditto in females ? 11. Is it fully performed ? or 
is it only a vestige of the custom? 12. Are any other 
incisions made upon the body at the same time? what is 
their meaning? Give drawings of them. 13. Does this 
apply to males and females alike ? J 4. What is done with 
the parts cut off ? 15. Any special custom with respect to 
the blood ? 16. Is any godfather or godmother appointed ? 
17. Is a name given to the person at the time or subsequently? 
18. Is any particular dress worn on the occasion ? 19. Is the 
person to be circumcised led upon a horse, ass, or mule? 
20. Is anything done to heal the wound? 21. For how long 
is the circumcised person exempt from labour ? 22. With 
what other ceremonies does it appear to be especially 
connected? 23. Are any lustration practices especially 
associated with it? 24. Is it considered a religious duty, a 
law, or only a custom ? 25. Does happiness in a future state 
depend on it? 26. Is there any tradition respecting it? 
27. Can its origin be traced to any other tribe, race, or 
locality? 28. What is the recognised name for it ? 29. Is it 
ever performed after death ? 30. Is there any reason to 
