158 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [bull. 34 



ological senility does not exist. This sets in very gradually, in a 

 similar way and at about the same period of life as with average 

 normal whites; and it follows a more natural course, the many debili- 

 ties of age seen among the whites being certainly less frequent among 

 the Indians. 



Advanced senility is seldom seen in individuals under about 70. 

 It is characterized by some bending and emaciation of the body, iron- 

 gray or yellowish-gray hair, and especially very numerous MT-inkles 

 on the neck and face. (Pis. xxiv, xxv.) There is wrinkling at the 

 instep and particularly just below and above the knees, also about the 

 wrists, the elbows, and in front below the neck. Muscular strength 

 is diminished, but many old individuals preserve not only a healthy 

 appearance, but also capacity for walking considerable distances, 

 carrying quite heavy burdens, long rides on horseback, and severe 

 exertions at their ceremonies. A few individuals met with among 

 the tribes visited had reached the age of at least 90 years, yet not 

 one of these was either much demented or helpless; most of them, 

 though poor in dress and other possessions, and occasionally neglected, 

 at least partially provided for themselves or gained their subsistence, 

 while all who were with their families helped the younger generation." 

 The teeth, which in general are less subject to caries than among 

 white Americans, become much worn down, and some are lost by 

 becoming loose, while the gimis and alveoli diminish through 

 atrophy. Owing to the diminution of the alveoli and the adipose tis- 

 sue, the chin looks more prominent, prognathism disappears, and the 

 face is shorter. A peculiar feature is a decided increase in the nasal 

 index, the nose apparently becoming both shorter and broader. The 

 malar bones, the fat under wliich has largely disappeared, are mark- 

 edly more prominent than at any other period of life. The eyelids 

 lose their lashes and generally become narrowed, adhesions taking 

 place at the canthi, particularly the external, tlirough a low-grade 

 chronic inflammation. The sclera becomes markedly dirty yellowish in 

 color, with reddish capillary streaks. The arcus senilis is well marked. 

 The hair not only changes color,'' but also becomes thinner and bald- 

 ness, though much more rare and less extensive than in white Ameri- 

 cans, may be seen in some over the front or on the top. The 

 breasts in women atrophy considerably and hang down like loose 

 bags. The legs and thighs get smaller in both sexes, the latter so that 



a At San Carlos many of the old people come regularly every ration day distances ranging from I 

 to 15 miles, and carry away on their backs their apportionment, weighing from 20 to 40 pounds. At 

 home even the blind work at whatever they can. They help in cooking and with children. At Talklai 

 an Apache woman, old and completely blind, was found by the writer making a basket with cat's claw 

 decoration (specimen, with another made by her, now in the U. S. National Museum). A striking 

 feature at San Carlos is the tact that many of the old women of the tribe are unusually short, measuring 

 less than 5 feet. This was not noticed elsewhere. The whole form in such women is small. The women 

 of the present generation show in general stronger frames and higher statures. Probably thepreca,rious 

 life of the old Apache, with more scanty food and other privations, explains the change. 



l> Snow-white hair or beard was not scon in any instance. 



