102 



on such hypothesis as a basis, which, in our present knowledge, is 

 inconsistent. 



The ethnological evidence constitutes another head of the investi- 

 gation. There are diversities in the physical aspect of the Irish popu- 

 lation ; and it is well worthy of inquiry how far any portion conform 

 with the type of the neighbouring Basques, It will be desirable for 

 persons having examined the local population to visit the Basques, and 

 again return to compare their observations ; and if Basque co-operation 

 can be obtained it is desirable. I had long hoped to have taken charge 

 of such an investigation myself. 



Not only the Spanish Basque country, but the French Basque coun- 

 try, should be examined, and also the mixture of races on the frontiers. 

 If members of the Iberian race be found in Ireland, they may not con- 

 form to a general, but a special or local Basque type. 



If this investigation succeeds, it strengthens the tests for Celtic, and 

 it may result in the discovery of the pre-Iberian type in Ireland. 



It is very desirable the attention of the Academy should be directed 

 to the Ligurians. These are a race ancient in Europe, and which has 

 been little investigated. Although long since divested of political im- 

 portance, it still affords a considerable portion of the population of 

 South-eastern Prance, Switzerland, and Italy. I have thought I found 

 resemblances to some exceptional Irish types among the Ligurians. 



"With regard to existing Iberians, I may observe that I regard the 

 Greeks of Asia Minor as descendants, not of the Hellenic population, 

 but of the pre-Hellenic, or barbarian population. 



The formation of Ireland, cut up by bays and estuaries, is very fa- 

 vorable for the preservation on its wide coast of remnants of ancient 

 populations. These are preserved even on restricted areas, and in very 

 small numbers, where geographical or other limitations check inter- 

 marriage. "Where intermarriage takes place, the majority will outgrow 

 and replace the minority, even if it be the conqueror. Such has been 

 the fate of the Lombards in Italy, while the Siete Communi still attest 

 a Teutonic origin. Such has been the fate of the Goths in Spain, of 

 Franks and Burgundians, and of the Varegues of Bussia, whom I de- 

 termined to be the Yarini of Tacitus, and consequently that tribe most 

 nearly allied to the English. (Angliet Yarini. Tacit. Germania.) 



Ireland is rich in archseological remains, and should any evidence be 

 obtained linguistically from topographical nomenclature, or ethnolo- 

 gically from living races, each kind of testimony will throw light on 

 the other. It is the accumulation of facts alone which can give us a 

 true insight into the obscure portions of the history of men. If nothing 

 else is obtained from these researches, we must get better data for the 

 occupation of Ireland by the Hiberno-Celts, and we may succeed in 

 elucidating the comparative history and chronology of "Western Europe, 

 of anterior races, of the Iberians, Ligurians, Celts, and of those great 

 displacements which, affecting Europe from one end to the other, in 

 themselves represent the waves of migration which have moved the 

 mighty empires of the East. 



