248 



CHARLES DARWIN 



exists in a lower state of improvement than in any other part 

 of the world. The South Sea Islanders, of the two races 

 inhabiting the Pacific, are comparatively civilized. The 

 Esquimau in his subterranean hut, enjoys some of the com- 

 forts of life, and in his canoe, when fully equipped, mani- 

 fests much skill. Some of the tribes of Southern Africa, 

 prowling about in search of roots, and living concealed on 

 the wild and arid plains, are sufficiently wretched. The Aus- 

 tralian, in the simplicity of the arts of life, comes nearest the 

 Fuegian : he can, however, boast of his boomerang, his spear 

 and throwing-stick, his method of climbing trees, of tracking 

 animals, and of hunting. Although the Australian may be 

 superior in acquirements, it by no means follows that he is 

 likewise superior in mental capacity: indeed, from what I 

 saw of the Fuegians when on board, and from what I have 

 read of the Australians, I should think the case was exactly 

 the reverse. 



