22 
from their own people, deserve close study, to see how far the 
natural character, apart from the traditions &c. of their race, 
persists in showing itself. Also the children of foreign slaves 
who are bred up by barbarians. The large families of poly- 
gamatous parentage afford good studies for heredity. Among the 
hereditary characteristics of a race which admit of precise testing, 
are:—Acuteness of sight. Delicacy of hearing. Aptitude to 
music. Neatness in handicrafts, and taste in design. Love of 
pursuits connected with the water: thus the South-Sea Islanders 
swim well in early childhood; is this really a natural or is it 
wholly an acquired faculty P Power of path-finding: the 
stories told of this gift are mostly gross exaggerations, but 
the subject deserves careful measurement; an ingenious travel¬ 
ler having a theodolite and skilled in its use, could make many 
experiments, which would give valuable results. Power of 
sustaining hunger and thirst. Craving for particular kinds of 
narcotics and drinks. Recuperative power after accidents, and 
strength to withstand severe shocks and mutilations. Im¬ 
munity from, or liability to, particular diseases. Psychological 
peculiarities, as :—the inherent gifts of ruling races; the early 
check of the development of the mind; excessive powers of imagi¬ 
nation, as shown in hearing unreal voices, seeing fancied appari¬ 
tions; also the convulsionary habits of wizards. Half-castes 
deserve careful study. It is not easy to suggest beforehand 
what inquiries should be made. The traveller should be ever 
on the watch, and when an appropriate case presents itself to 
his notice, he should investigate it with great care. Those who 
confuse the effects of nature and of nurture, give information 
that is of very little use. 
No. XV.—CROSSES. By Dn. BEDDOE, F.R.S. 
The principal moot points on this subject have reference to 
either:— 
(a) the fecundity of mongrels, or 
( b ) the physical or mental improvement or deterioration 
produced by crossing, or 
(c) the points, if any, derived preferentially from either 
race or sex. 
