i PRINCIPAL VARIETIES 



and but little difference is to be discerned in the external 

 appearance of the sexes. 



But it is not only in deformity, dwarfishness, colour, and 

 contour of features, that the inhabitants of these regions 

 resemble each other. There is also a marked conformity 

 in their manners, propensities, and habitual ignorance. 

 They certainly display a degree of activity and resolution 

 in pursuit of their game; but they seem incapable of 

 vigorous exertions either of body or of mind, unless when 

 their ingenuity is stimulated by necessity ; or inevitable 

 difficulties prompt the temporary exertion of courage to 

 evade or surmount them. 



With regard to their morals, they possess all the virtues 

 of simplicity, and all the vices of ignorance. They seem 

 to entertain few religious ideas, and these are rather su- 

 perstitious than rational. Providence, however, in denying 

 them so many physical blessings which the nations of more 

 temperate climes enjoy, has given contentment as a coun- 

 terbalance for these deprivations. They have a very high 

 opinion of themselves ; and, according to Krantz, relieve 

 the tedium of their social meetings by ridiculing European 

 manners and pursuits. War is the object of their detest- 

 ation, because they have nothing worth contending for ;' 

 and, though attempts have been made to discipline them 

 as soldiers, and to draw them into the field, every measure 

 of this kind has hitherto proved unsuccessful. 



In proportion as we approach the north pole, mankind 

 seem to dwindle in energy and importance of character ; 

 till we reach those high latitudes that forbid rational, if not 

 all animal life. The gradations, however, vary almost im- 

 perceptibly : but on the southern borders we find people 

 of a large stature and more noble form ; who, compared 

 with those of the more northern, exhibit a striking con- 

 trast, and prove the amazing influence of climate on what- 

 ever breathes and lives. 



The SECOND great existing variety in the human species, 

 seems to be the Tartar race ; from whom it is probable 

 that the natives of the hyperborean regions original!) 



