150 MELPOMENE.

Each person is allowed to have several wives, with
whom they cohabit in the manner of the Massagette,
first fixing a staff in the earth before the tent. When
the Nasamones marry, the bride on the first night
permits every one of the guests to enjoy her person,
each of Whom makes her a present brought with him
for the purpose. Their mode of divination and of
taking an oath is this: they place their hands on the
tombs of those who have been most eminent for their
integrity and virtue, and swear by their names. When
they exercise divination, they approach the monu­
ments of their ancestors, and there, having said their
prayers, compose themselves to sleep. They regulate
their subsequent conduct by such visions as they may
then have. When they pledge their word, they
drink alternately from each other's hands. If no
liquid is near, they take some dust from the ground,
and lick it with their tongue.

CLXXIII. Next to the Nasamones are the Psylli,
who formerly perished by the following accident: a
south wind had dried up all their reservoirs, and the
whole country, as far as the Syrtes, was destitute of
Water. They resolved accordingly, after a public
consultation, to make a hostile expedition against this
south wind; the consequence was (I only relate what
the Africans inform me) that on their arrival in the
deserts, the south wind overwhelmed them beneath
the sands. The Psylli being thus destroyed, the Na­
samones took possession of their lands.

CLXXIV. Beyond these to the south, in a country
infested by savage beasts, dwell the Garamantes, who
avoid every kind of communication with men, are
ignorant of the use of all military weapons, and totally
Unable to defend themselves.

CLXXV. These people live beyond the Nasamones;
but towards the sea-coast westward are the Macs».
It is the custom of this people to leave a tuft of hair"
in the Centre of the head, carefully shaving the rest.
When they make war, their only coverings are the
skins of ostriches. The river Cinyps rises among them
in a hill said ta be sacred to the Graces, whence it
continues its course to the sea. This hill of the Graces