594 



THE RACES OF MmV 



[chap. XL. 



follows that the latter were derived from the former. For 

 aSj when a Pacific eontiRent existed, the whole geography 

 of the earths surface woidd probably be very dliTerent 

 from what it now is, the present continents may not then 

 have risen above the ocean, and, when they were formed 

 at a subsequent epoch, may have derived some of their 

 inhabitants from the Polynesian area itseli It is uu- 

 doubtedly true that there are pi-oofs of extensive migra- 

 tions among the Pticific islands, which have led to 

 conimujdty of language from the Sandwicli group to New 

 Zealand ; but there are no proofs whatever of recent 

 migration from any surrounding country to Polynesia, 

 eince there is no people to be found elsewhere sufficiently 

 resembling the Polynesian race in their chief physical and 

 mental characteristics. 



If the past histury of these varied races is obscure and 

 uncertain, the future is no less so. Tlie true PoljTiesians, 

 inhabiting the farthest isles of the Pacific, are no doubt 

 doomed to an eoiiy extinction. But the more numerous 

 Malay race seems well adapted to survive as the cultivator 

 of the sod, even when his country and government have 

 passed into the hands of Europeans. If the tide of colo- 

 nization should be turned to New Giunea, there can be 

 little doubt of the early extinction of the Papuan race. A 

 warlike and energetic people, who ^\dll not submit to 

 national slavery or to domestic servitude, ntust disappear 

 before the white man as surely as do the wolf and the tiger. 



I have now concluded my task. I have given, in more 

 or less detad, a sketch of my oif^ht years' wanderings among 

 the largest and the most luxuriant Islands which adorn 

 our earth's surface. I have endeavoured to convey my im- 

 pressions of their scenery, their vegetation, their animal 

 productions, and their human inhabitants. I have dwelt 

 at sjjme lengtti on the varied and interesting problems they 

 offer to the student of nature. Before bidding my readers 

 farewell, I wish to make a few observations on a subject 

 of yet higher iuter^t and deeper importance, which the 

 contemplation of savage life has suggested, and on which 

 I l»elieve that the civilized can learn something from the 

 savage man. 



