206 THE PROTEIN ELEMENT IN NUTRITION 



Pathan tribes come from a different stock and live mainly in 

 the hills, we cannot make use of them in a comparison with the 

 Rajputs, Jats, or Sikhs. 



It is sufficient to point out that their splendid physique and 

 fighting qualities have not been attained on diets permitting a 

 low level of nitrogenous metabolism. 



We may conclude this study of the effects of the level of 

 protein metabolism on the physique and general efficiency of 

 different tropical tribes and races by stating that the facts, 

 as set forth in the preceding pages, afford ample proof of the 

 all-important influence exerted by food, and particularly protein, 

 in determining the degree of muscular development, the general 

 physical endowment, the powers of endurance, resistance to 

 disease, and, most important of all, the place a tribe or race 

 has won for itself in manliness, courage, and soldierly instincts. 

 We have no hesitation in saying that, amongst the tribes and 

 races contrasted, the higher the level of protein interchange, 

 the more robust and energetic, and the more manly the race. 



From a practical standpoint under natural conditions, in 

 contrast to laboratory results obtained under artificial con- 

 ditions, it appears somewhat superfluous to have to insist on 

 this point, and support what should be a foregone conclusion 

 with a mass of evidence. But with such an eloquent appeal 

 as that made by Chittenden for a decrease of at least 50 per 

 cent, in the ordinary protein standard, backed up as it is by 

 an array of such seemingly convincing arguments, it is only 

 meet that the real facts should be brought to light before 

 harmful measures in the feeding of large bodies of men have 

 been adopted. 



We might illustrate further the determining influences of a 

 liberal supply of protein by a study of other races and tribes 

 in India. Thus there are the Afridis, physically a fine type, tall, 

 muscular, hardy, brave, proud, and self-reliant. They make ideal 

 soldiers. The Waziris, a tribe probably of Rajput origin, who have 

 acquired a great reputation for courage and warlike qualities. 

 The Bajouris, physically a grand race of men, are hardy, muscular, 

 and brave, and make good soldiers. The Baluchis are manly, 

 frank, and strong, inured to hardships and exposure. They are 

 a fine type of men, and have acquired a reputation for truth and 

 fidelity. Many other sects and tribes of the Indian frontier 



