TROPICAL TRIBES AND RACES 205 



castes, and inculcate the martial spirit into those of obscure 

 origin. The protein metabolism of the Sikh is superior to that 

 of the other fighting tribes so far considered, and, failing any 

 other explanation of his superior qualities, we must admit 

 the undoubted influence of his highly nitrogenous dietary during 

 the important early years of life the period during which the 

 body framework and protoplasmic tissues are being built up. 



We may conclude this study of the Indo-Aryan physical type by 

 saying that where it is possible to eliminate climatic, social, and 

 caste influences, as in a comparison of tribes living under the 

 same conditions, except as regards diet, there can be no doubt 

 of the superiority, physically, morally, and socially, of those 

 whose diet is the most liberal, and whose daily average of 

 metabolized nitrogen reaches a high level. Having studied the 

 effects of dietaries offering varying quantities of assimilable 

 protein on different tribes, otherwise under similar conditions, 

 we are more firmly than ever of the opinion that the level of protein 

 exchange advocated by Chittenden is too low, and that a supply 

 at least equal to that of the usually accepted standards is to 

 the advantage of the individual and to the welfare of the race. 



The Pathan. 



The Pathans are given by Kisley under the Turko-Iranian 

 physical type. The Pathan himself claims to be of Jewish origin. 



The different tribes are pastoral and agricultural ; they possess 

 large flocks of sheep, goats, cows, etc. Milk is highly esteemed, 

 and the better classes live exceedingly well on a highly protein 

 dietary of wheat, maize, milk in various forms, and large quan- 

 tities of animal food. In their homes animal food is eaten daily. 



They have never been accustomed to law nor settled govern- 

 ment, and are a wild, lawless, turbulent people, to whom law and 

 order are things to be scoffed at. Pathans are pre-eminently 

 resolute and self-reliant. As a soldier he displays great dash and 

 elan, but is apt to be carried away in the heat of battle. He 

 takes a just and manly pride in himself, and considers himself 

 superior to other races. His resolute look, upright gait, tall and 

 muscular frame, and firm step betoken many of the qualities of 

 the genuine man. 



The Pathan is superior in physique to any of the races men- 

 tioned. As, in addition to their superior type of dietary, the 



