42 



PHYSICAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



siderable variety of figures, he obtained only a rapid sketch of three 

 of them. The importance of the subject, however, has appeared to 

 me to warrant the insertion of a copy in this place. And it will be 

 observed, that the figures are simple, and present some analogy to the 

 sculptures found on the Orinoco, as given by Humboldt. 



It is said that the aboriginal stock so preponderates in Mexico, that 

 the people do not " regard themselves nationally as belonging to the 

 White race." I have myself seen but very few Mexicans, and these 

 have been chiefly of pure Spanish descent. In two or three individuals 

 of mixed race, met with in the United States, the Mongolian traits 

 were sufficiently obvious. On the other hand, a Mexican of some 

 note from the province of Sonora, whom I saw in California, was 

 scarcely distinguishable in his personal appearance, from the pure 

 Malay. I have, therefore, positive evidence of the aboriginal presence 

 of two races in Mexico ; though in what proportions, I am altogether 

 uncertain.* 



Some travellers in Mexico have spoken of a " large admixture of 

 the Neo^ro race;" but as true Neg-roes are at the same time admitted 

 to be rare, the opinion may have reference to the Malay stock. A 

 distinction in personal appearance is also said to exist " between the 

 inhabitants of the table-land and those of the low country." The 

 ' Mexican of Mechoacan,' figured by Humboldt, is evidently Mon- 

 golian. I confess, therefore, that the distribution given on the accom- 

 panying map, of the two races in Mexico, is not entirely satisfactory. 



* In the Letters of Cortes, mention is made of " albinoes having apartments in the 

 palace of Montezuma." This point may have some bearing on the question at issue; 

 for I have heard of the occurrence of albinoes in the Malay race, but not among Mon- 

 golians. 



MEXICO. 



