144 Progress and Civilisation. FT. m. 



I have noticed as pervading the Asiatic races are 

 universal throughout that Continent, and have 

 existed there from the beginning of history. They 

 constitute a type clearly distinguishing them by 

 unmistakable characteristics from the other quarters 

 of the World. 



If we turn our eyes to Africa, and examine the 

 Negro race, we shall find them sunk to a much lower 

 level than the Asiatic nations. This vast Continent 

 has been peopled from the earliest times chiefly by 

 the Negro race, and all history represents them as 

 very much in the same low state of civilisation which 

 they occupy at present. The Egyptian hieroglyphics 

 represent them in the character of slaves performing 

 the rudest tasks. Travellers have never discovered 

 in any part of Africa buildings, public works, or 

 monuments of any antiquity or durability. In the 

 long series of ages during which they have peopled 

 that Continent, they have left scarcely a trace of 

 their existence. They have no literature, no arts, 

 except of the simplest kind ; in size, stature, and 

 muscular strength, they surpass most other races, and 

 their peculiar physical constitution enables them to 

 labour without injury in the hottest regions of the 

 ton-id zone. But they are naturally indolent, and do 



