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ETHNOLOGY. 



[Sect. XIIL 



relif^-iouSj their acquirements and traditions, literature* 

 poetry, music, agriculture, trade and commerce, naviga- 

 tion ; and, whicli of all things affords the most important 

 aids in all researches as to the origin and affinities of 

 different tribes or races, their languages and dialects. 



On almost every topic now enumerated our acquaint- 

 ance with remote nations is at present much more exten- 

 sive than it was a quarter of a century ago ; but on all it 

 is still very defective. We shall touch upon tlie different 

 subjects of tliiB investigation in a very brief manner, with 

 a view to point out what remains to be done in each 

 particular, and to offer some suggestions as to the best 

 method of proceeding. 



!• Of the Physical Chaixicters of Nations. 



The physical description of any tribe or race must 



striking and 



more s 



commence with an account of the 



obvious characteristics of complexion, features, figure, and 



stature. 



In reference to the complexion or colour, it is not 

 enough to know generally whether it is black or white, 

 or brown. The exact shade of colour should be described 

 as it prevails in the majority of persons in any tribe, and 

 all the variations should be noted which occur in indi- 

 viduals. If a great difference of colour shoxdd be 

 observed in the people of the same communit}, care 

 should be taken, by repeated inquiries, to ascertain, it 



whether such diversities are merely accidental 



possible 



varieties, or are connected with any distinction of tribe or 



caste. 



In many countries tribes exist who, while they 

 preserve their ^tock distinct, by avoiding intermarnag . 



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