244 REPORT—1852. 
residents and travellers, to obtain precise knowledge in reply to them, and 
to send it to a centre, the British Association. 
It should always be borne in mind that the verification of what is already 
known is of importance in Ethnology, as in other sciences. The discovery 
of new tribes of the human family falls to the lot of but few observers, while 
many have the opportunity of adding to our knowledge of those tribes that 
are partially known, besides which, recent observation may differ from the 
older in consequence of changes that may have taken place in the people. 
Any amount of knowledge, however trifling it may appear in itself, may be 
of great value in connexion with other knowledge, and therefore will be wel- 
comed. We are seeking Facts, and not inferences ; what is observed, and not 
what is thought. 
The following questions might be much increased in number, and the 
reasons and motives for framing them stated, but such detail would swell the 
tract to a volume. 
Physical Characters. 
1. Ascertain the form, size and weight of the people. Measure the height 
of several men ; state those measures, and whether they are above or below 
the ordinary stature. Measure the length of the limbs, giving the situation 
of the elbow and knee. Measure the circumference of the chest, thighs, legs, 
arms, neck and head of the same men: and weigh the same men. Observe 
if the women be less than the men in stature and relative dimensions; and, 
if possible, measure and weigh them also. If any remarkable deviations 
above or below the ordinary stature occur in the adults, measure and weigh 
them also. 
2. Note if there be any prevailing disproportion between different parts of 
the body, or any peculiarity of form. 
3. What is the prevailing complexion? It is impossible to accurately 
describe colour by words. The best method is to imitate the colour on paper ; 
if this be impracticable, state what the colour is in comparison with some 
well-known complexion. The colour and character of the hair can be ob- 
tained by bringing home specimens. State at what age the hair falls off or 
turns grey. The colour, form, size, situation and other character of the eyes 
should be accurately described. It is very desirable to obtain individual like- 
nesses by means of some photographic process. 
4. Is there, apart from lack of personal cleanliness, any peculiar odour, as 
in the Negro? If so, describe it. 
5. The importance of the head claims particular attention. The head 
consists of two parts, viz. the face and the brain-box. Is the shape of the 
face round, oval, long, broad, lozenge-shaped, or of any other marked form? 
In addition to the best verbal description, give three sketches of the whole 
head, by which means the character of the features, their relation to each 
other and to the whole head, can be at once displayed. These sketches should 
be,—Ist, a profile; 2nd, a front face; and 3rd, a view looking down on the 
top of the head. Let sufficient neck be taken in order to show how the head 
is set on and carried. And in these sketches accuracy of drawing is indis- 
pensable, without which picturesque effect is valueless. 
The form and size of the head, and the relative proportions of its parts, 
can be obtained with minute precision, by measuring it in the method laid 
down by phrenologists. If the observer be competent, by a previous study 
of phrenology, he is requested to observe the manifestations of mind in con- 
nexion with the cerebral development, as indicated by the form, size and 
proportions of the head. 

