206 ON THE VARIETIES 



It is of some consequence to attend to this observation ; for it may serve 

 to explain a physiological fact that has hitherto been supposed of difficult 

 elucidation. 



A certain degree of heat, though less than that of the tropics, appears 

 favourable to increase of stature ; and I have already observed, that the tallest 

 tribes we are acquainted with are situated at the back of Cape Horn, and the 

 Cape of Good Hope. On the contrary, the most diminutive we are acquainted 

 with are those that inhabit the coldest regions or the highest mountains in 

 the world : such are the Laplanders and Nova Zemblians in Europe, the 

 Samoieds, Ostiacs, and Tungooses in Asia, and the Greenlanders and Esqui- 

 maux in America. Such, too, are the Kimos'of Madagascar, if the account 

 of these pigmy people may be depended upon, whose native region is stated 

 to be the central and highest tracts of the island, forming, according -to Com- 

 merson, an elevation of not less than sixteen or eighteen hundred fathoms 

 above the level of the sea. 



A multitude of distinct tribes have of late years been discovered in the in- 

 terior of Africa, in the midst of the black tribes, exhibiting nothing more than 

 a red or copper hue, with lank black hair. And, in like manner, around the 

 banks of the lower Orinoco, in Mexico, where the climate is much hotter, 

 there are many clans of a much lighter hue than those around the banks of 

 the Rio Negro, where it is much cooler; and M. Humboldt has hence ven- 

 tured to assert that we have here a full proof that climate produces no effect 

 upon the colour of the skin. Such an assertion, however, is far too hasty ; 

 for he should first have shown that the thickness of the mucous web or colour- 

 ing material is equally abundant in all these instances. For if it be more 

 abundant (as it probably is) in the tribes that are swarthiest, we have reason to 

 expect that a swarthier colour will be found where there is an equal or even 

 a less exposure to solar light and heat ; and we well know that the hair will 

 vary in proportion.*' 



II. The effects of DIFFERENT KINDS OF FOOD upon the animal system are as 

 extensive and as wonderful as those of different climates. The fineness and 

 coarseness of the wool or hair, the firmness and flavour of the flesh, and 

 in some degree the colour of the skin, and extent of the stature, are all influ- 

 enced by the nature of the diet. Oils and spirits produce a peculiar excite- 

 ment of the liver; and like the calorific rays of the sun, usually become the 

 means of throwing an overcharge of bile "into the circulation. Hence the 

 sallow and olive hue of many who unduly addict themselves to vinous pota- 

 tion, and who at the same time make use of but little exercise. And hence 

 also the dark and dingy colour of the pigmy people inhabiting high northern 

 latitudes, to whom we have just adverted, and whose usual diet consists of 

 fish and other oils, often rancid and offensive. Though it must be admitted 

 that this colour Is in most instances aided by the clouds of smoke in which 

 they sit constantly involved in their wretched cabins, and the filth and grease 

 with which they often besmear their skins. And hence, also, one cause of 

 their diminutive stature ; the food they feed on being unassimilating and in- 

 nutritive. Swine and all other animals fed on madder-root, or that of gallium 

 verum, or yellow-ladies-bed-straw, have the bones themselves tinged of a deep 

 red, or yellow : and M. Huber of Lausanne, who has of late years made so 

 many valuable discoveries in the natural habits of the honey-bee, has proved 

 himself able by a difference in the food alone, as indeed Debraw had done long 

 before hirn,f to convert what is commonly, but improperly, called a neuter 

 into a queen bee. 



III. It would be superfluous to dwell on the changes of body and percep- 

 tive powers produced in the animal system by a DIFFERENCE IN THE MANNERS 

 AND CUSTOMS. We have the most striking proofs of this effect in all the 

 domestic animals by which we are surrounded. Compare the wild horse 

 with the disciplined ; the bison with the ox, which last is usually regarded as 



See Essai Politique sur la Nouvelle Espagne. par Alexandra de Humboldt, <fcc. p. 84. 85. 4to. Paris 

 1 8, 1809. t See Phil Tians. for 1717, p. 15. 



