474 



JOUKNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). 



[Vol. IX. 



Considering the small number of skulls immediately at my 

 disposal, and the very defective or otherwise doubtful con- 

 dition of some of them, I was obliged to take my pictures 

 from such of them as gave the best indications of regular 

 development. But I can by no means assert that in all 

 respects they represent typical forms, or that my statements 

 do not admit of great corrections. This the future only can 

 decide, and my work will have fulfilled its aim if it hastens 

 the bringing on of new and better material. 



For the present I can only make the single assertion that, 

 so far as we have a distinct view of the physical relations, as 

 few evidences appear of a real affinity between the Tamils 

 and the Veddds as betiveen the Tamils and the Sinhalese. 



This, however, does not decide the question as to whether 

 there is a Dravidian element either in the Veddas or the Sin- 

 halese. The present Tamils of Ceylon are in nowise typical 

 representatives of all the tribes of Hindustan which are 

 usually embraced in the term " Dravidas." Indeed, we find 

 that in the further pursuit of a study of the latter so many 

 varieties among them have come to light, that it has not yet 

 even been proved with certainty which of the so-called 

 Dravidian tribes are most closely related, and which are to 

 be looked upon as the purest. But we now know that in 

 the course of centuries " Malabars " from different regions on 

 the coast of the peninsula of Hindustan, who made invasions 

 and settlements in Ceylon, came, not alone from the nearer 

 points on the coast, but also from quite northern districts. 

 Before expressing a decided judgment all these tribes must 

 be compared in turn. 



It would not be here in place to institute a comparison of 

 this kind, and the material at present is not sufficient. I will 

 limit myself to calling attention to the statements of Mr. 

 Callamand* regarding the Maravars, and the introduction of 

 a single example. Through the mediation of Mr. F. Jagor 



* Revue d' Anthropologic, 1878, ser. II., T. I., p. 607, 



