But there is one most singular fact invariably con comitant on indulging this cannibal appetite, which is well deserving of consideration. It is uniformly attested by persons in opposite parts of the globe, under various climates, in different circumstances, and where they could have no knowledge of each other's experience, that an uncommon degree of ferocity is speedily generated by feeding on human flesh. A more forcible picture can scarcely be drawn than in the words of the commander of a essel cast away on a desert shore, whose crew were compelled to adopt such means to preserve their miserable lives. In a few clays I found their very natural dispositions changed, and that affectionate peace able temper they had hitherto displayed altogether lost. Their eyes were wild and staring, their counte nances fierce and barbarous, and, instead of obeying my commands, as they had universally and readily clone be fore, I found that all I could say, and even prayers and entreaties, were fruitless. Nothing was now to be heard but brutish quarrels, supplanting that quiet submissive spirit of prayer and supplication which we had hitherto enjoyed." Vet it is not to be denied, that hunger in
itself also renders men ferocious : it enfeebles their minds as well as their bodies, their nature is altogether. altered, they view each other with a malignant eye, and even feel an insatiable desire to feed on their own ex coriated members. But a supply of food, though scan tily administered, will quickly restore them to their ordinary condition.
It is thus established, by incontestible evidence, that there are various tribes of cannibals subsisting at this moment ; and that it is not unusual for mankind, in cases of extreme necessity, to preserve their life, by devouring the bodies of their fellow-creatures. See Herodotus, Mela, Strabo, Pliny, var. loc. ; Hieronymus, .4dversus Jovinianum, lib. ii. Opera, torn. iv. part 2. ; Allred de Bello Standardii. ap. Twysden ; Scriptores decem. p. 1138 ; ',cry Hist. -Vavigationis in Brasiliam ; Crozet, Nouveau Voyage de M. M. Marion, Duclesmettr, et dc Surville ; Rossel Voyage D'.Entrecasteaux, tom. i. p. 337 ; and Bossu's Tray. in Louisiana. (c)