30 Dr Duckworth, On the Anthropometric data, etc. 
made of the Biajus or sea-gypsies of Borneo, if only on account of 
a custom alleged by Prichard (Researches, etc. Vol. v. 1847, p. 87) 
to be common to them and the Maldive islanders. The custom 
consists in the preparation and launching of a small boat as an 
offering to one of their deities. And even though the custom 
be now recognised (Skeat) as of wide dispersion in Malaysia, its 
practice in the Maldives would be most significant. 
It remains to add that the discovery of Malayan affinities and 
relations may not end with the Maldive islands and their popula- 
tions. For in my opinion the question may be fairly raised as to 
whether Malay invaders ever secured a hold in the Malabar district. 
We read of Malay colonies in Ceylon. We find hints of Malayan 
influence in the Maldives. The islanders of that group are not 
without resemblance to the Mukkavan, and possibly to the Billava 
and Linga tribes just studied. Is there any Malayan blood in the 
latter 2 I can only ask the question. The answer will depend on 
the study of language and customs. In regard to the latter, it is 
at least remarkable that the Mukkavan should make offerings to 
the sea, though a closed vessel and not a model boat is employed 
as the vehicle. 
SUMMARY. 
To sum up this protracted discussion, I would conclude by 
recalling the great variability in physical type shewn to exist in 
the Maldives and Minikoi. A diversity of racial stocks is thus 
shewn to be probable. The seriations provide two-peaked curves 
in several instances, but the significance of these is not beyond 
question, although they may be really evidence in the same direction. 
Such approaches to pygmy proportions, as can be detected, are 
not to be dissociated from the effects of local conditions upon 
nutrition, ete. 
Of the possibilities in the way of invasions, I have indicated 
three main sources. On the whole, the resemblance to the mari- 
time natives of Malabar is close enough to satisfy most require- 
ments. But I feel assured that the Malabar coast is not the only 
source of immigrants, and in Minikoi especially I think that 
account must be taken of what I term generally Malayan in- 
fluences. And these may have affected the Malabar natives also 
and even before they sent immigrants into the Maldives. It is 
with regret that I am compelled to make a statement which is so 
deficient in directness. But I do not care to lay more weight on 
any evidence than it can reasonably sustain, and this thought has 
influenced the present report. In any case the fact that Professor 
Gardiner has been a pioneer of anthropometric research in this 
little-known area is a matter upon which he is to be congratulated 
warmly. 
