157 
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 ? 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 per¬ 
forms the operation on the different sexes—old women, 
priests, or midwives ? 7. Is the position of circumcisor con¬ 
sidered especially honourable ? 8. Is it illegal after a certain 
age ? 9. Is the operation performed with any special instru¬ 
ments ? 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 ? 14. 
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 Irom 
labour ? 22. With what other ceremonies does it appear to be 
especially connected ? 23. Are any lustration practice!? 
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 recognized name for it ? 29. Is it 
ever performed after death ? 30. Is there any reason to 
suppose it was established as an offering of part of the organ 
