CHAPTER II. 



EXPLANATIONOFTHEMAP. 



The geographical distribution of these eleven races of men, is re- 

 presented on the accompanying map, by different colours. I have 

 preferred, for this purpose, an unusual projection ; on account of its 

 exhibiting at one view, the true area of the surface of the globe, or in 

 other words, the relative size of the different countries. 



I have inscribed on the map, my own route of travel, in order that 

 it may readily be perceived, when I speak from my own knowledge; 

 in which case only can I be held responsible for my opinion. Wher- 

 ever I have seen for myself, all difficulties have disappeared; not so 

 in various instances, where I have been obliged to decide on conflict- 

 ing statements. In general I have found oral testimony more satis- 

 factory, in the present inquiry, than books. But I would here state, 

 that I yet feel much uncertainty, about the tribes inhabiting the im- 

 portant range of islands between Timor and the Solomon Group, 

 both inclusive. 



The dotted lines are intended to illustrate the subject of the diffu- 

 sion of mankind over the globe; marking such as are presumed to 

 have been the main routes of migration, by land and sea. 



All coasts may be referred to three principal divisions; which are 

 likewise represented, but without pretension to minute accuracy. 

 These are the alluvial, the rocky (exclusively or alternating), and the 

 coral-bound. The coasts of the latter description, lam enabled to give 

 chiefly through the assistance of Mr. Dana; and they deserve atten- 

 tion as having an important bearing, to be hereafter noticed, on 

 human migrations. 



The phases of climate, varying especially in the proportions of 

 moisture, partition out the soil and its vegetable growth, into three 

 well-marked divisions. 1. There are countries, which are almost en- 



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