20 VARIETIES IN THE HUMAN RACE. 



maintained less intercourse with the rest of mankind, we 

 find their persons and their manners more strongly im- 

 pressed with some of the characteristics already mentioned, 

 On the contrary, in those places where trade has long 

 flourished, or which have been exposed to frequent hostile 

 invasions, the races usually appear blended ; and probably 

 fall under no one particular variety, but partake, in some 

 respects, of all. 



It is easy to perceive, that of the various colours by 

 which mankind are diversified, white is not only the most 

 beautiful, but also the most expressive. The fair com- 

 plexion becomes like a transparent veil to the soul ; 

 through which every shade of passion, every change of 

 health, may be seen, without the necessity of oral utter- 

 ance: whereas in the African black, and the Asiatic olive 

 complexion, the countenance is found a much less distinct 

 index of the mind, or of the bodily feelings. 



Besides, this colour, which is most permanent and 

 universal, is certainly the most natural to man ; and it is 

 a well-known fact, that children every where are born 

 comparatively white. It is likewise no uncommon cir- 

 cumstance to see white children born of black parents ; 

 but a black offspring has never been known to be the 

 production of two whites. Whiteness, therefore, appears 

 to be the original colour of man : for, as in some flowers 

 the parent stock is distinguishable among all the artificial 

 varieties blended into it ; so in our nature, that colour 

 must necessarily be original, which never alters, and to 

 which all the rest have a tendency to approximate. 



With regard to stature, this wholly depends on climate, 

 food, and other local causes. In wild regions, where 

 nourishment is abundant, the human form is developed in 

 its utmost perfection. Under the equator, and towards 

 die poles, it shrinks beneath the due standard, through 

 either the intensity of the heat, or the rigour of the cold. 

 Climate and soil, therefore, have the most powerful effect 

 in expanding or diminishing the size. Even in the same 



