24 



girth is about half the height — the exact figures being 476 

 minimum at ages 13 and 14, and '542 maximum in full manhood. 



The next fact upon which statistics are desired to be obtained 

 is strength of arm, as shown by pulling as an archer with a bow. 

 For this purpose a spring balance is used, which the person holds 

 in one hand, the arm being extended in a straight line from the 

 shoulders, and the other arm pulling against it towards the ear. 

 In this case, as the measurement depends in some respects upon the 

 will of the subject, consciously or unconsciously exercised, the 

 results are not so satisfactory as where the measurement is of a 

 simple fact, such as height or weight. 



Other observations taken have been those of breathing 

 capacity, strength of arm, sight, and span of arms. The term 

 measurement, however, comprises more than the question of mere 

 dimension or weight, and, in its full signiticance, may be taken as 

 opposed to estimate. Observations, therefore, of the colour of eyes 

 and hair, and of complexion generally, have been included. In 

 respect of these, it is of course of the greatest importance that the 

 observers should know exactly what they mean, and that different 

 observers should use the same term always to describe the same 

 colour. It is possible to make almost endless distinctions between 

 colours. I exhibit a colour scale, comprising 42 colours and 

 20 shades of each, or altogether more than 800 shades. All these 

 are. of course, not necessary for such a purpose ; indeed, all the 

 various colours of eyes might be grouped under eight colours in the 

 scale, and those of hair and skin under a similar number. 



Branching out of this enquiry are those into eyesight and 

 colour-blindness. For the purpose of testing eyesight, cards are 

 used containing eighteen square dots of one-fifth of an inch wide, 

 placed irregularly in two groups, and the greatest distance noted at 

 which the person observed was able to count them. Inspector- 

 General Lawson remarks that the most favourable circumstances 

 for bringing out the acuteness of vision are to view a dark body 

 against a well-illuminated bright-coloured background some way 

 behind it. Finally, Snellen's test-types have been adopted. With 

 regard to colour-blindness, Mr. Roberts has observed that it is 

 frequent in persons with red hair, and he estimates that one person 



