THEIR HEIGHT, FORM, AND STRENGTH. 81 



tained that there must be some confusion, in these 

 descriptions, between the Gauls and the Germans, 

 inasmuch as the Celtic nations now existing are all 

 dark-haired. The statement was sent to Xiebuhr 

 by some Englishman,* and Niebuhr, taking the fact 

 for granted, on his correspondent's authority, was 

 naturally much perplexed by it. But had he travelled 

 ever so rapidly through Wales or Ireland, or had he 

 cast -a glance on any of those groups of Irish 

 labourers who are constantly to be met with in 

 summer on all the roads in England, he would have 

 at once perceived that his perplexity had been need- 

 less. Compared with the Italians, it would be 

 certainly true that the Celtic nations were generally 

 both liylit-liaired and tall. I should not have ven- 

 tured to speak so confidently merely from my own 

 observation : but Dr. Pritchard, who has for many 

 years turned his attention to this question, assures 

 me that he is perfectly satisfied as to the truth of 

 the fact there stated ; to me it is only surprising that 

 anyone should have thought of disputing it." 



80. 1840(1). From measurements made by Pro- 

 fessor Forbes, of Edinburgh," on students at his 

 University, and by Quetelet on Belgian students of 

 the same class, we have the following tables : 



*Some ignorant bigot. E.H. 



