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436 



ETHNOLOGY 



[Sect. XIII. 



are possessed of tlie external appearances of civilization, 

 wealth, and conveniences, but likewise among people 

 less prosperous in their condition, and having the aspect 



of barbarism. 



here polygam;/ prevails, it should be ascertained, if 



W 



possible, whether there is any real disproportion in the 

 numbers of the sexes. This should, indeed, be a subject 

 of inquiry in every tribe wliere statistical information can 

 be procured, as a matter connected with the physical 



of the people ; but it has a particular relation to 



the prevalence of polygamy. 



The mode of civil government should everywhere be a 

 subject of inquiry. The more simple nations are often 

 without any common and central government, and are in 



the 



when they select for some temporary enterprise as their 



chieftain some individual whose fame and prowess inspire 



appointing a leader in time of war, 



them with confidence in his guidance. 



Some nations 



have been entirely without 



the idea of combining for 



mutual aid, and the Finnish races are said to have been 

 conquered by the Germanic nations piecemeal, one family 



after another falling under the yoke, till all were sub- 



dued. The Polynesian nations have princes or chieftains, 

 accordins to some well-understood laws. We are not 

 yet acquainted with the social institutions of the Papuas, 

 if they have any such among them, which is probable. 

 It is very desira ble that the fact should be ascertained by 



inqui ry . 



The religious impressions and the superstitious practices 

 of every tribe of men should be carefully investigated, 



as forming a remarkable part of the history of the par- 



) 



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