As a "Note" to DR. BASHAM'S "Query", I would quote Ovid's _Metamorph._,
lib vii. l. 264-5.:

"Illic Hæmoniá radices valle resectas.
Seminaque, et flores, et succos incoquit acres."

T.A.


_Practice of Scalping amongst the Scythians--Scandinavian
Mythology._--In Vol. ii., p. 12., I desired to be informed whether this
practice has prevailed amongst any people besides the American Indians.
As you have established no rule against an inquirer's replying to his
own Query, (though, unfortunately for other inquirers, self-imposed by
some of your correspondents) I shall avail myself of your permission,
and refer those who are interested in the subject to Herodotus,
_Melpomene 64_, where they will find that the practice of scalping
prevailed amongst the Scythians. This coincidence of manners serves
greatly to corroborate the hypothesis that America was peopled
originally from the northern parts of the old continent. He has recorded
also their horrid custom of drinking the blood of their enemies, and
making drinking vessels of their skulls, reminding us of the war-song of
the savage of Louisiana:--

"I shall devour their (my enemies') hearts, dry their flesh,
drink their blood; I shall tear off their scalps, and make cups
of their skulls." (Bossu's _Travels_.) "Those," says this
traveller through Louisiana, "who think the Tartars have chiefly