20 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



ing both the mountains and the plains, we find a deficiency of 

 stature in the mountains quite marked by comparison.* 



Among civilized peoples this direct influence of environment 

 acts likewise through the food supply to affect the stature of any 

 given group of men. Thus, in Europe as a rule, it may be said 

 that, as among the aborigines of America, the populations of 

 mountainous districts are shorter than those which enjoy the fer- 

 tility of the plains and the river basins, f Wherever the geology 

 of a district has produced a soil which yields with difficulty to 



STATURE 



I_l/>AOW.5l/M 



AFTER COLLIGNON 



cultivation, or where the climate is unfavorable to prosperity, the 

 influence is reflected in the physical stature of the population. 

 All over Europe we may locate such "misery spots," one of 

 which will, however, serve as an example. It is depicted in the 

 accompanying map. 



This spot is likewise indicated in the south central part of 

 France upon our general map for Europe, on page 30, by a small 

 black- dotted area. This means a general average stature of five 

 feet and two to three inches a low level not elsewhere touched 



* Dr. Boas, in Verhandlungen der Berliner anthropologischen Gesellschaft, Sitzung 

 von Mai 18, 1895, gives fine details on the American aborigines. 



f Ranke, in his Beitrage zur physischen Anthropologie der Bayern, finds the mountaineers 

 taller in his country; but Dr. Livi proves the opposite for Italy. Vide also Der Mensch, ii, 

 p. 126. 



