1 84 The American Naturalist, [March, 
of the physical characteristics of the average Solomon Islander 
is as follows: [Anthrop. Institute, Vol. XV, p. 281.) "Such a 
man would have a well proportioned physique, a good carriage 
and well-rounded limbs. His height would be about 5 feet, 4 
inches ; his chest girth between 34 and 35 inches and his weight 
between 125 and 130 pounds. The color of his skin would be 
a deep brown, corresponding with number 35 of the color- 
types of M. Broca. * * # The form of his skull would be 
Mesocephalic. The proportion of the length of the span of 
the extended arms to the height of the body, taking the latter 
as 100. would be represented by the index 106.7. The length 
of the upper limb would be exactly the one-third the height of 
the body, and the tip of his middle finger would reach down to 
a point about 33^ inches above the patella. The length of the 
lower limb would be slightly under one-half 49- J 00 of the 
height of the body, and the relations of the lengths of the upper 
and lower limbs to each other, would be represented by the 
intermembral index 68. 
I grant at once that there are other branches of Anthropol- 
ogy in the United States which have pressing needs for study. 
The Indian is said to be in progress of extinction like the 
buffalo, and unless he can be studied soon, in his language, art 
and industry, it will be too late. This argument for immediate 
action is all powerful, and should move the United States to 
all possible exertion. But I submit that it applies with equal 
force to Anthropometry. If not now, or soon, measured in 
their groups of tribes, it will be too late. Extinction or mix- 
ture of blood between different tribes or with whites would be 
equally fatal to Anthropometry. 
Some of those who have studied the subject most, believe in an 
identity of race between the North American Indian and the 
mound-builders of prehistoric times. Anthropometry would 
be a powerful assistant in proving the fact. 
I should much like to see Anthropometry practised upon 
our native tribes, whether Eskimo, Innuit or Indian, now while 
we have such splendid opportunities, by means of numerous 
examples and continued tests so extended and applied to 
groups of sufficient numbers, as that the physical peculiarities 
and attributes of each race or tribe might be established upon 
a scientific basis with mathematical accuracy, and which would 
be so complete as to be accepted by all the world. For this 
great subject the United States possesses peculiar facilities. 
These would furnish means of comparison between them 
and all other tribes, races and peoples, whether modern. 
