64 VARIETIES OF THE HUMAN SPECIES. 



the caruncula lachrymalis, which in Europeans is exposed, is covered by a mem- 

 brane which passes over it vertically. The eyes are small and black, expressive 

 and sparkling when animated. Another peculiarity is the prominence of the 

 cheek bones ; and it is in consequence of this form that the noses of such as are 

 full-faced are literally buried between the projections ; and one of our chief belles 

 was so remarkable in this way that a ruler, when placed from cheek to cheek, 

 would not touch the nose. The mouth is generally kept open with a kind of 

 idiotic expression, so that the teeth of either jaw are generally shown. The 

 mouths are large. The teeth are strong, and deeply fixed in the gums ; they are 

 formed like rounded ivory pegs, and are flat on the upper end as if filed down. 

 The chin is small and peaked ; and what we call a double chin is rare."* 



The Eskimaux of Prince Regent's Bay,t to the northeast of Baffin's Bay, 

 and about 76^ north, are of a dirty copper color, and very corpulent; while those 

 on the west side of Baffin's Bay have clear complexions, which only become 

 darker by old age and exposure.J 



On the icy shores of the great island of Greenland, are seen the easternmost 

 tribes of this singular race. Their features do dot materially differ from those 

 already described, but their complexion is decidedly darker, varying from brown 

 to olive, while at Oppernivick they are as dark as muiattoes. It is needless to 

 add that many are much lighter, and others quite fair. In the moral scale they 

 rank extremely low. Crantz, the missionary, who lived many years among them, 

 reluctantly declares that "it is no injustice to allow them no true virtue, and only 

 the absence of certain vices."§ They are crafty, sensual, ungrateful, obstinate 

 and unfeeling, and much of their affection for their children may be traced to 

 purely selfish motives. They devour the most disgusting aliments uncooked and 

 uncleaned, and seem to have no ideas beyond providing for the present moment. 



With respect to the moral and intellectual character of this widely distributed 

 family, little need be added to what has already been said. Their mental faculties, 

 from infancy to old age, present a continued childhood : they reach a certain limit 

 and expand no farther. What Crantz says of the Greenlanders may be applied to 

 other tribes, viz : that they possess simplicity without silliness, and good sense 

 without the art of reasoning.|| They are fickle and facetious, and their connubial 



* Private Journal, Boston ed. p. 222. 



tCalled also the jlrctic H'lgJilands, Ross. Voy. 1819, p. 115. 



t Parky, First Voy. p. 2S2. § Crantz, Hist, of Greenland, I, p. 188. 



II Hist, of Greenland, I, p. 1 35. 



