250 REPORT—1852. 
68. When a people display their ingenuity by the extent or variety of their 
works of art, it will not only be desirable to describe what these are, but also 
the materials of which they are constructed, the modes in which these ma- 
terials are obtained, the preparation which they undergo when any is required, 
and the instruments by which they are wrought, Such particulars will not 
only throw light on the character and origin of the people, but will, directly 
or indirectly, influence the commercial relations which may be profitably 
entered into when commerce alone is looked to. When colonization is con- 
templated, the facts contained in the replies to these queries will point out 
the mutual advantages which might be obtained by preserving, instead of 
annihilating, the aboriginal population. 
Domestie Animals. 
Are there any domestic animals in the possession of the people? Of what 
species are they? Whence do they appear to have been derived, and to what 
variety do they belong? Have they degenerated or become otherwise 
modified? To what uses are they applied? 
Government and Laws. 
69. What is the form of government? Does it assume a monarchical or 
democratic character, or does it rest with the priests ? 
70. Are the chiefs, whether of limited or absolute power, elective or 
hereditary ? 
71. Is there any division of clans or casts ? 
72. What are the privileges enjoyed by or withheld from these? 
73. What care is taken to keep them distinct, and with what effect on the 
physical and moral character of each ? 
74. What laws exist among the people? How are they preserved? Are 
they generally known, or confided to the memory of achosen set of persons? 
What are their opinions and regulations in reference to property, and espe- 
cially the occupation and possession of the soil? Does the practice of hiring 
labourers exist among them ? 
75. Have they any knowledge or tradition of a legislator, to whom the 
formation of laws is ascribed ? 
76. Do they rescind, add to, or modify their laws? and how ? 
77. Are they careful in the observance of them? : 
78. What are their modes of enforcing obedience, and of proving and 
punishing delinquency ? 
79. How are judges constituted? Do their trials take place at stated 
periods, and in public? 
80. How do they keep prisoners in custody, and treat them? 
81. What are the crimes taken cognizance of by the laws? Is there gra- 
dation or commutation of punishment ? 
Geography and Statistics. 
82. Briefly state the geographical limits and character of the region inha- 
bited by the people to whom the replies relate. 
83. State approximately the number of inhabitants. As this is an im- 
portant, but very difficult question, it may not be amiss to point out the modes 
in which the numbers may be ascertained. The people themselves may state 
their number with more or less accuracy, but it should be known whether 
they refer to all ranks and ages, or merely comprehend adult males, who may 
be mustered for war, or other general purpose requiring their combination. 
In this case state the apparent proportion between adult males and other 

