382 ORIGIN AND TRANSMISSION 



formed, and in a state somewhat similar to that of the Cre- 

 tins of Salzburg and the Valais. Without, therefore, deny- 

 ing the existence of some tribe which may have given origin 

 to the reports respecting the Quimos, we may safely con- 

 clude, that no proof has yet been brought forward, that any 

 race of white long-armed dwarfs exists in the island of Ma- 

 dagascar. 



On reviewing the facts detailed in the foregoing pages, 

 we see, that, although the various races of men differ from 

 each other in stature, as well as in other points, these diffe- 

 rences are confined within narrower limits in man than in 

 the species of domestic animals ; and consequently, that 

 they do not prove diversity of species. The pigs taken from 

 Europe to the island of Cuba have grown to twice their 

 original size ; and the cattle of Paraguay have experienced 

 a very remarkable increase. It is hardly necessary to men- 

 tion the contrast between the small Welsh and the huge 

 cart horses, or the Flanders breed of those animals ; or be- 

 tween the Scotch or Welsh, and the Holstein cattle. 



Perhaps the horse affords the most remarkable instance 

 of difference in stature. Mr. Pennant * says, that " in the 

 interior parts of Ceylon there is a small variety of this ani- 

 mal, not exceeding thirty inches in height, which is some- 

 times brought to Europe as a rarity." 



The Paduan fowl is twice the size of the common 

 poultry. 



In further proof that the diversities of stature in mankind 

 afford no sufficient argument of original specific difference, 

 we may observe tliat individuals often occur in each race, 

 differing from each other quite as widely as the generality 

 of any two races differ. Nay, we may even see two brothers 

 as much unlike each other in this respect as the Laplander 

 and the Patagonian. 



In endeavouring to account for the diversities of features, 

 proportions, general form, stature, and the other particulars 

 mentioned in the three preceding chapters, I must repeat an 



* Historii of Quadnipeds, vol. i. p. 2. 



