The preceding remarks on the texture of the hair accord with those of other observers, as well as with the monumental evidences of every epoch. Belzoni obtained plaited hair from the Theban catacombs eighteen inches in length; and M. Villoteau mentions another instance, from the same tombs, in which the tresses must have reached to the waist. Entire wigs of the same character are preserved, as every one knows, in the British and Berlin museums; and I also possess, through the kindness of Mr. Gliddon, a portion of a similar relic from Thebes, which is elaborately wrought into a great number of long and most delicate tresses. These facts lead to a few observations on the celebrated passage of Herodotus, who, when speaking of the Colchians, gives, among other proofs of their Egyptian lineage, that they “were black, and had short curling hair.” [Greek: Melanchroes kai oulotriches]. The above translation, which is that of the learned Beloe, expresses, in respect to the mode of _wearing_ the hair, precisely what is verified by my observations; for in nearly all the Caucasian heads on which it has been allowed to grow, it is remarkable for a profusion of short curls of extreme fineness,—a character which is preserved in several of the accompanying delineations. Herodotus farther tells us that the Egyptians kept their heads shaved; or perhaps he might have said with more precision, closely cut. But while the priests conformed to this rule, we are certain, from the foregoing facts, that there was a diversity of usage among the other classes, which is also proved by another passage in the same historian; for he assures us that “you see fewer bald in Egypt than in any other country.” Now if the Egyptians of all classes kept their heads shaved, it would be difficult to ascertain, and yet more difficult to _see_ whether they were subject to natural baldness or not. Again, if Herodotus had not been accustomed to observe the Egyptians _wearing_ their hair, how could he have compared them in this respect to the people of Colchis? The same author informs us that the inhabitants of Egypt permitted their hair to grow as a badge of mourning; an observation which is every where corroborated in monumental funereal scenes. This observation, however, was probably for a comparatively short period, and will not account for the frequent occurrence of long hair among the mummies of all classes. It is mentioned in history that among other indignities which Cambyses offered to the embalmed body of King Amasis, was that of tearing the hair from his head. [Illustration]