NEPTUNIAN STOCK. 



237 



Tahiti (fig. 203), the Sandwich Islands (fig. 204), and of Ombai Island 

 (fig. 205), near Timor, are interesting and characteristic. The physiog- 

 nomy is strongly marked in each by sternness and ferocity ; but, as is 

 universally found to be the case, the expression of the features becomes 

 ameliorated by civilization, and by mental and moral culture. Mr. Dar- 

 win speaks in very favourable terms respecting the natives of Tahiti, 

 and regards them as far superior to the New Zealanders, both mentally 

 and physically ; a superiority to be attributed to the humanizing influence 

 of British exertions, in reclaiming them from the barbarous habits and 

 customs which, till recently, placed them amongst the most degraded 

 of the human race, and which still predominate among the natives of 

 other islands, where cannibalism, and the most barbarous rites and 

 practices, are continued ; and where sanguinary deeds of revenge, and 

 atrocious cruelties, are incessantly perpetrated. 



With regard to the conformation of the cranium, in these Oceanic tribes, 



204 



