22 



VEETEBEATES. 



distinct and strongly marked features, and a copper-colored sKin. 



All the native inhabitants of North and South America, Tith the 

 exception of the Esquimaux, are com- 

 prised in this division. They prefer a 

 nomadic life, despise the comforts of 

 civilized existence, except in a few in- 

 stances, and have made but slight ad- 

 vance in arts and literature. Their 

 highest pitch of refinement was attained 

 in the empires of Mexico and Peru. 



Having described the divisions 

 of the human family under the old 

 system of classification, we will proceed 



to give them according to that of Pickering, now most generally - 



received. He enumerates eleven distinct races of men, all of whom 



American' Indian. 



* ^vssinlan. 



