CHAPTER III. 



THE MONGOLIAN RACE. 



I HAVE thought to distinguish in the Mongolian race physical traits 

 and a style of feature, at variance in some respects with those of the 

 remaining series of races. 



One of these peculiarities consists in the occurrence of a feminine 

 aspect in both sexes. In the absence of any striking difference in 

 stature or dress, I have often seen the stranger at a loss to distinoruish 

 men from women ; a difficulty not depending altogether on the absence 

 of a beard, and which, so far as my observation extends, does not take 

 place in the other races. 



The well-characterized Mongolian head is less compressed at the 

 sides than is the head in the other races, so that when viewed in front, 

 it presents a more rounded contoun The forehead recedes; but in 

 continuation of a general curve from the chin upwards; and it fre- 

 quently happens, that the nose is likewise arched. The latter withal 

 is less prominent than in tlie White race, and the lips are somewhat 

 thicker. 



The complexion is always sufficiently light to show a flush, and 

 in the far North, it sometimes becomes decidedly florid. This is said 

 to be the case with the coast-tribes of Northwest America ; and indeed, 

 I have seen among them two females, in all probal)ility of unmixed 

 race, who from their fair complexion might very well have passed for 

 Europeans. 



The Mongolian is pre-eminently a beardless race, the chin often 

 remaining perfectly smooth, even to extreme age. In the instances 

 where a thin beard does make its appearance, 1 have never seen it 

 attaining a greater length than two or three inches, and it was always 

 perfectly straight. The hair also has appeared to me more uniformly 



