132 



THE HURON RACE AND ITS HEAD-FORM. 



work,* were ctiefly derived from male skulls : and the mean accord- 

 ingly exceeds those of the present table. It is : 



Mr. Langton has also communicated to me the following mean 

 results of the measurement of ten skulls in Dr. Tache's collection, 

 seven of them male, but including some selected because of exceptional 

 specialties : 



The only doubtful element of comparison in the latter, is the frontal 

 diameter. In my own measurements it is taken from the point of junc- 

 tioa of the frontal, parietal, and malar bones. If taken at any point 

 anterior to this the breadth diminishes. But with due allowance for 

 the relative numbers of male and female skulls, the results as a whole 

 do not conflict. The larger the number of examples employed, there 

 is of course the greater likelihood of eliminating exceptional elements. 



Mere averages, however, are at all times of very partial value ; and 

 especially so when derived from a group including exceptional exam- 

 ples, or marked deviations from the prevailing type. But, with the 

 aid of my friend, the Rev. James Douglas, I have obtained photogra- 

 phic views of some of the most remarkable skulls in the Laval Museum; 

 and by their means I am able to present in more definite detail some 

 of the fruits of Dr. Tache's indefatigable labours. From crania pur- 

 posely recovered because of noticeable deviations from the prevailing 

 type, Nos, 6 and 7 of the above table have been selected to exhibit them 

 in their most characteristic aspects. No. 6 is shown in its four prin- 

 cipal views, on Plate II. It is unfortunately imperfect, as seen in 

 front, but not to such an extent as to interfere in any material degree 

 with the exhibition of its chief specialties. As will be seen at a glance, 

 it deviates greatly from all predominant Indian head forms, especially 

 when viewed from above. It is also noticeable that in this example 

 the superciliary ridges are scarcely more marked than in the ordinary 

 female skull ; though the bones of the face are otherwise large, promi- 



* Prehistoric Man, 2nd. ed. p. 468. 



