Circumcision was practised in Mexican America from two distinct reasons. 1st. From a supposition that it was conducive to health; and 2dly, from a Religious custom; this last fact will be required for the third volume,--the former only will be here brought forward, for the purpose of proving another analogy. Circumcision was practised by the Egyptians, Ethiopians, Tyrians, Colchians, and Cappadocians, upon the belief that personal safety would be the result; and the custom might, therefore, be viewed as a sacrifice to Hygeia,--the Goddess of Health,--and in this sacrifice many of the _females_ of Egypt did not exempt themselves. The custom, however, was _optional_,--_this is proved by the Egyptian Mummies_!--There were no laws to enforce it (except upon the _Priests_ of Egypt), as among the Israelites and Jews, with whom, as an entire people, it was, and is, one of the most sacred customs, established by a Covenant between The Father of the Universe, and the patriarch of Israel. In the division of the Land of Canaan between the Twelve Tribes, by JOSHUA,--the Tribe of Asher was located on the confines of Sidon and Tyrus.--JOSHUA re-established the Covenant of Circumcision, after it had been purposely laid aside by MOSES during the "forty years" wandering in the Wilderness. It was, therefore, practised by the immediate neighbours of the Tyrians, and it is apparent to belief, that the custom was received among the Phœnicians owing to their juxtaposition with a Tribe of Israel. The Egyptians received the custom in a similar manner,--viz., during the sojourn of Israel in Egypt. The Tribe of Asher,--and its customs, gradually encroached upon the Idolatry and manners of the Phœnicians,--for we find (upon the authority of Malte Brun) that the members of that Tribe (Asher) were driven back from all the sea-coast to the interior, by the Sidonians and Tyrians;--the custom, however, in an _optional_ character, remained with the Tyrians,--and in that manner it was practised by the Mexican Aborigines. In viewing the above analogy, it must be evident to the reader,--that in the fact of _optional_ Circumcision (no matter from what motive) another proof is seen of the _two distinct races_ in Ancient America,--for in the _North_, as stated heretofore, where it is practised, it is only in the form of a _Religious_ rite. The tradition of the ancient Mexicans as to _where they came from_, is directly in favour of this work. Upon Cortez asking Montezuma the Second, the origin of the Mexican race,--the Monarch answered,--that many ages ago they came from "_The East_"--(_i. e._ from where the Sun rises)--and as he then was speaking _in_ Mexico, "_The East_" is at once defined to be across the Atlantic Ocean. The coast of Phœnicia was always denominated "_The East_"--this is absolute on the authority of Holy Writ, and in that definition, _Tyrus_ is distinctly spoken of: viz.--