in the Maldive Islands and Minikor. 25 
For in no other character are they grouped together in contrast to 
the other individuals. The nasal index is not far from providing 
an exception to this statement. But so far as the nasal index is 
thus concerned, its evidence is distinctly against the idea suggested 
by the stature of the four men. For the nasal index is in distinct 
contrast with that typical of a pygmy stock. 
(c) In reference to pygmy types, a good deal of stress has 
been laid by some authors on the great relative length of the 
torso as compared with its (relative) value in the tall races. If 
we wish to take as a basis of comparison the percentage proportion 
of the torso to the stature in European races, we find that the 
percentage is regarded as about 52°5. According to theory, pygmy 
types, in some cases at least, should provide a larger number as 
representative of this percentage. 
If we turn to the short-statured individuals of the Maldives 
and Minikoi we shall find this percentage represented in two cases 
by higher values (than 52°5), viz. 53°6 (Hulule, No. 9) and 541 
(Male, No. 18). But on the contrary the two remaining values 
are 50°1 (Addu, No. 44) and 48°5 (Minikoi, No. 2) respectively. 
Evidently this test is of no use in the present instance; and 
though I have mentioned it here, I am convinced that it is not 
a reliable test in most if not in all instances. The examination of 
the existing data from various tribes scattered over all parts of the 
earth will soon bring this conviction home to the investigator. 
But where data of all kinds are as scanty as in the present 
instance, one must try every test that is not absolutely unreason- 
able. 
(d) Except in point of stature, then, the proportions of the 
four small men are as variable as they could well be. In such 
circumstances, the onus of proof is, in my opinion, transferred to 
those who elect to regard these individuals as representatives of a 
pygmy stock. This may be the case, but, if so, the stock is not 
directly comparable with others generally admitted to be pygmy. 
If a pygmy element does exist in the Maldives and Minikoi, the 
data here available do not suffice for its detection, or for a demon- 
stration of its distinctness. 
The circumstances demand that this criticism should be search- 
ing: indeed I conceive that the existence of “genuine pygmy 7 
types has been proclaimed in other instances upon a basis of 
evidence which is insufficient to warrant such a conclusion. In 
particular, I am not confident that the Vedda would survive as a 
pygmy type under sound criticism. 
nature, for I find that in about a score of characters taken at random, the Seman 
(an undoubtedly pygmy stock) are overlapped by their neighbours, the South Perak 
Malays. 
