The
band is probably two inches thick at the upper part, and above an inch
at the lower part. The back part of the band, which is rounded from a
thickening at the places where it grows from each body, is not so long
as the front part, which is comparatively flat. The breadth or depth
of the band is about four inches. It grows from the lower and centre
part of the breast of each boy, being a continuation of the
cartilaginous termination of the breast bone, accompanied by muscles
and blood-vessels, and enveloped, like every other portion of the
body, with skin, &c. At present this band is not very flexible; and
there is reason to believe that the cartilaginous substance of the
upper part is gradually hardening, and will eventually become bone.
From the nature of the band, and the manner in which it grows from
each boy, it is impossible that they should be in any other position
in relation to each other, but side by side, like soldiers, or coming
up a little to front each other. Their arms and legs are perfectly
free to move. The band is the only connexion between them; and their
proximity does not inconvenience either; each of them, whether
standing, sitting, or moving, generally has his arm round the neck or
the waist of the other. When they take the arm from this position, so
close are they kept together that their shoulders cannot be held
straight; and the near shoulder of each being obliged to be held down
or up, to allow them room to stand, gives them the appearance of being
deformed; but two straighter bodies can scarcely be seen.
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