402 HlSTORV OF 



The natives of America (except izi the northern extremity, 

 vvliere they resemble the Laphmders) are of a red or copper 

 colour ; and although, in the old world, different climates pro- 

 duce a variety of complexions and customs, the natives of the 

 new continent seem to resemble each other in almost every res- 

 pect. They are all nearly of one colour ; all have black thick 

 straight hair, and thin black beards ; which, however, they take 

 care to pluck out by the roots. They have, in general, flat 



more distinct and projecting than in the Mongolian type. The mouth is 

 large, and the lips are rather thick. Among the Americans, however, are 

 found many deviations of colour and stature from this general character, 

 though but few of structure and features. The people of Nootka Sound are 

 nearly as light as Europeans, but of a dull paleness ; so are some of the Pe- 

 ruvians. Mr Birkbeck observes that the natives of the western territory of 

 the United States are various in complexion, some dark, some lighter, but 

 he met with no examples of the copper colour among them. The Chilians 

 are of a reddish brown, but clear ; and a tribe of the province of Barva are 

 red and white like ourselves. 



The depressed forehead is a more general characteristic of all the Ameri. 

 can tribes ; some of them, it is true, increase by art this natural peculiarity ; 

 but the character is prevalent among those who use no art to exaggerate it. 

 A depressed forehead is always considered beautiful among them : the Aztec 

 gods and heroes were thus represented by the Mexicans, who used no arti. 

 licial means to flatten the cranium. There is strong reason to believe, espe- 

 cially from the approximation of the two continents, that the American race 

 originates from the north-eastern Asiatics; traces of resemblance in language, 

 strong and pliysical similarity, and local facilities of emigration, give counte- 

 nance to tliis opinion. 



There seems no just reason for separating the Esquimaux from the Ameri. 

 can variety, and classing them more particularly under the Mongolian; 

 at least, no reason that would not justify a similar classification of the na- 

 tions of the whole American continent. They resemble the Americans in 

 general characteristic traits; and, in Terra del Fuego, and on the Mosquito 

 shore, we find people exactly like them. With the physical characters of this 

 arctic race, the late voyages to the Pole have made us tolerably acquainted. 

 They have high cheek-bones, broad foreheads, and small eyes far apart. 

 Their complexion is a dusky yellow, and some individuals are lighter than 

 others, and exhibit some symptoms of red in the cheeks. Their stature is 

 short, the average height of the males not being more than five feet five or 

 six inches. The women are still le.ss ; their proportions are by no means 

 robust, and they are remarkable for the smallness of their hands and feet. 

 The Esquimaux are not very stupid, nor much distinguished for inteliigenca 

 They have very imperfect notions, if any, of a Supreme Being, and some rude 

 ideas of a future state. They exhibit considerable ingenuity in the construc- 

 tion of their houses, their canoes, their clothes, and various implements. 

 They appear remarkable, notwithataudiug the severity of their climate, fol 

 loDgerity. 



