PROGNATHOUS STOCK. 299 



somewhat arched at the base, and the chin is narrow and prominent. (In 

 this specimen, the sagittal suture is obliterated.) Comparing this with 

 the skull of the Negro (see page 296) first described, many traits of 

 distinction are perceptible. It is not only less solid and heavy, but the 

 general contour of the whole is different : the maxillary bone does not 

 present that sudden sinking, anterior to the malar bone, so remarkable 

 in the Negro skull ; and hence the space between the two malar bones 

 is flat, the nose being altogether depressed ; the jaws, though the alveolar 

 processes are oblique, have less of the Orang-like protrusion than in 

 the true Negro ; and the ascending ramus of the lower jaw is more 

 perpendicular. 



In concluding this sketch of the principal indigenous nations of 

 Africa, of which we have the most authentic information, the fact must 

 be again reverted to, that not only some are excluded from the pale 

 of the Negro type, approximating to that of the Japetic, and even 

 Mongole, but that a great diversity of characters exists among such as 

 are usually referred to the Negro stock, various grades and phases of 

 approximation to the genuine Negro form being perpetually exhibited 

 among them ; but the grades of approximation in the physiognomy 

 are not accompanied by a constant and uniform correspondence of 

 other characters. Some races, for example, as the Joloffs, have a 

 black skin and woolly hair, combined with fine forms and almost 

 European features ; some, a black, or dark brown complexion, with 

 regular features, and crisp, but not woolly hair ; others, a Negro 

 colour and physiognomy, with long, or crisp hair; and others, again, 

 have the general characters of the Negro, with a brown or dusky 

 skin. The Caffres, with their ample forehead, elevated nose, high 

 cheek-bones, light brown hue, knotted hair, and noble figure, present us 

 with a notable instance of departure from the Negro type ; the Hot- 

 tentots with another, equally, or more decided, insomuch that they have a 

 claim to be regarded as constituting a class, per se. Hence, then, there 

 appears to be not one, but many African types of form and features, unless 

 we are to regard them, or most of them, as variations of one common type, 

 having its characters not permanent, but fluctuating. Is there, it may be 

 asked, a tendency in the Negro race to lose its peculiar feature its sup- 

 posed badges of inferiority in the scale of the human race a tendency 

 toward amelioration? Many circumstances render this not improbable. 

 The difference between certain of the Caffre tribes, as the Amakosahs, 

 and the Negro natives of Congo and Mozambique, whose respective lan- 

 guages prove a common origin, seems to warrant the opinion an opinion 

 advocated by Dr. Prichard, who, in reference to the Caffre tribes, which 

 have been thought, by many observers, to resemble the Arabs rather than 

 the natives of intertropical Africa, states, "they are a genuine African 



