CIIAPTEE X. 



THE ETHIOPIAN RACE. 



The Ethiopian race, is in some measure intermediate in personal 

 appearance between the Telingan and the Negro. The complexion 

 too, seems generally darker than in the Telingan race; holding the 

 third rank in depth of hue. The hair is crisped, but fine in its tex- 

 ture; and I have never seen it wiry, as in the Papuan; from which 

 latter race, the Ethiopian differs in having a soft skin and European- 

 like features. 



Various modern travellers have been struck with the resemblance 

 of the Ethiopian to the Telingan race. The same circumstance was 

 noticed in ancient times by Herodotus; who also speaks of the re- 

 markable beauty of those living southwest of Arabia;* an opinion in 

 which, from actual observation, I am now prepared to concur. 



The Ethiopian race occupies the hottest countries of Africa. Most 

 of its tribes are purely pastoral; and some of them, are perhaps alone 

 acquainted with all the recesses of the Great Desert. The only por- 

 tions of the race that are known to lead an agricultural life, are the 

 Nubians of the Nile, and some of the tribes bordering on the table- 

 land of Abyssinia. 



Characteristic portraits of Ethiopians, may be found in various 

 works on Egypt and Nubia; and I would refer particularly to the 

 figures given in Hoskin's Travels on the Upper Nile. 



The Ethiopian race was not seen in its purity during the voyage 

 of the Exploring Expedition; but it was doubtless present among 

 some of tlie mixed Arabs at Singapore. My acquaintance with it, 

 commenced on the day of my landing in Egypt. 



* Herodotus^, Thalia, 101, 114, &c. 



