184 SUPPLEMENTAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



bers and importance to the three divisions of 

 Cuvier. 



All the minor races may, indeed, by certain traits 

 of similarity, proclaim their original descent from 

 one of these three; but if this be so, it is impossible 

 for any one to come satisfactorily to that conclusion 

 without comparing them ; and to this end, some par- 

 ticulars by way of selection of the principal minor 

 races may be partially subservient. 



The American variety appears to form a link be- 

 tween the Caucasian and Mongolian, but approxi- 

 mating more to the latter. The skin is dark, with 

 more or less of a copper tint. The hair is straight 

 and black, the beard small, forehead low, eyes dark 

 and oblique, face broad and prominent, and cheeks 

 rounded. The features in general, particularly the 

 nose, are more distinct and projecting than in the 

 Mongolian type. The mouth is large, and the lips 

 are rather thick. 



Among the Americans, however, are found many 

 deviations of colour and stature from this general 

 character, though but few of structure and features. 

 The people of Nootka Sound are nearly as light as 

 Europeans, but of a dull paleness; so are some of 

 the Peruvians. Mr. Birkbeck observes that the 

 natives of the western territory of the United 

 States are various in complexion, some dark, some 

 lighter, but he met with no examples of the copper 

 colour among them. The Chilians are of a reddish 

 brown, but clear ; and a tribe of the province of 

 |3arva are red and white like ourselves. 





