578 



AFRICANS. 



that this is due to the admixture of Arab blood. Of the two classes 

 of Abyssinians, those who inhabit the more southerly parts have a coun- 

 tenance much more approaching to the negro. They are, indeed, an in- 

 trusive race, who conquered in more recent times the regions in which 

 they are settled. It is said that the Amharic, the language of the true 

 Abyssinians, is singularly analogous to the Hebrew. 



As resembling the Abyssinians in many respects, though on the op- 

 posite side of the equator, may be mentioned the natives of Madagascar, 

 Fig. 277, p. 577. Presenting, in some particulars, the traces of Arab in- 

 fluence, it has nevertheless been inferred, partly from their language and 

 partly from their features, that the most numerous class is of Malay ori- 

 gin. Though among the inferior tribes there are some which are black, 

 the complexion of this is olive, and the hair is not woolly, though it 

 curls. 



It should be constantly borne in mind that the resemblance of features 

 Evidences from is no proof of a community of origin. The influence of cli- 

 countTnance ma t e and of manner of life is so great that in a due period 

 and language, of time the most diverse tribes will show similar lineaments. 

 Analogy in the structure of languages and identity in vocabulary is 

 much better evidence, though even this must be received with caution. In 

 reference to this, it has been very significantly remarked that birds of the 

 Fig. 2T8. same kind sing the same notes 



in all countries, even though 

 under such circumstances as to 

 exclude the possibility of their 

 having been taught by their 

 parents. 



The annexed figure, 278, is 

 given by Dr. Prichard as a 

 specimen of the natives of Mo- 

 zambique. The expression is 

 undoubtedly much superior to 

 that prevailing on the West ' 

 African coast. Of some of 

 these tribes it is said that the 

 Native of Mozambique. hair is not woolly, but merely 



frizzled. It grows long, and hangs in slender curls. 



Examining the zone designated as negro land, we find that the negro 

 Amelioration character of its inhabitants is not in all parts developed with 

 typeto^he equal intensity. The maximum is shown in the Guinea 

 east. countries, and from thence across the continent to the east 



the physiognomy improves. The negro characteristics may be specified 

 as intense blackness of the skin, woolly hair, thick lips, gaping nostrils, 



