The diameter of the trunk below and clear of the insertion of this branch, and the diameter above and clear of the swell of the roots.

A rough sketch of the growth of the main stem, and of ten or twelve feet in length of the principal limbs. The example selected for the sketch should be the tree which will give the best idea of the general growth of the timber.

A specimen of the flower and of the foliage. The first may be preserved by placing it stem downwards in a jar partially filled with dry saud (not from salt water, unless, previously to being dried, it has been thoroughly cleansed from salt), and then gently filling up the jar with fine dried sand till the specimen is completely covered; the foliage may be placed between the leaves of a blotting-book.

The fruit, or seed-vessel, which may be preserved according to its nature.

A section from the trunk of a tree, say six inches in thickness (like a cheese), with the bark and all perfect.

If possible the specific gravity or weight of a very exactly cut cubic foot of the perfect wood of the tree taken from the butt end, and of another cubic foot taken from the top end of the trunk, when first felled; these weights marked upon the specimens, and the specimens brought home to be again weighed and measured when seasoned.

The nature of the soil in which the trees apparently flourish most, and whether the weeds, so far as can be ascertained, are such as grow in moist or dry localities.

General observations as to the appearance of the decay in any trees of the species which may have fallen, and may be lying about decaying; also, if the country be inhabited, the local uses to which the timber is put, and the state of any of it which can be ascertained to have been in long use for any purpose which is in its nature trying to the durability of timber, as alternations of exposure to wet and dry.

Observations as to the probable supply, and of the facilities or otherwise afforded by the nature of the country for conveying the logs to water-carriage.

A knowledge of the particulars required under these heads would enable a correct judgment to be formed of the nature of the timber, and of the purposes for which it might be available, and therefore, whether it would be advantageous to import any for Her Majesty's service.

I am, my dear Sir,

Yours very sincerely,

AUGUSTIN F. B. CREUZE.

SECTION XIII.

ETHNOLOGY.

By the late J. C. PRICHARD, Esq., M.D.

THERE are few subjects that can engage the attention of intelligent travellers, more worthy of interest, or on which any additions to our previous stock of information will be more generally appreciated, than ethnology. Under that term is comprised all that relates to human beings, whether regarded as individuals or as members of families or communities. The former head includes the physical history of man; that is, an account of the peculiarities of his bodily form and constitution, as they are displayed in different tribes, and under different circumstances of climate, local situation, clothing, nutrition, and under the various conditions which are supposed to occasion diversities of organic development. The same expression may also, in a wide sense, comprehend all observations tending to illustrate psychology, or the history of the intellectual and moral faculties, the sentiments, feelings, acquired habits, and natural propensities. To the second division of this general subject, viz., to the history of man as a social being, must be referred all observations as to the progress of men in arts and civilization in different countries, their laws and customs, institutions-civil and religious, their acquirements and tra

ditions, literature, poetry, music, agriculture, trade and commerce, navigation; and, which of all things affords the most important aids in all researches as to the origin and affinities of different tribes or races, their languages and dialects.

On almost every topic now enumerated our acquaintance with remote nations is at present much more extensive than it was a quarter of a century ago; but on all it is still very defective. We shall touch upon the different subjects of this investigation in a very brief manner, with a view to point out what remains to be done in each particular, and to offer some suggestions as to the best method of proceeding.

I. Of the Physical Characters of Nations.

The physical description of any tribe or race must commence with an account of the more striking and obvious characteristics of complexion, features, figure, and stature.

In reference to the complexion or colour, it is not enough to know generally whether it is black or white, or brown. The exact shade of colour should be described as it prevails in the majority of persons in any tribe, and all the variations should be noted which occur in individuals. If a great difference of colour should be observed in the people of the same community, care should be taken, by repeated inquiries, to ascertain, if possible, whether such diversities are merely accidental varieties, or are connected with any distinction of tribe or caste. In many countries tribes exist who, while they preserve their stock distinct, by avoiding intermarriages, continue to differ from each other in colour and other particulars; though in other

instances great varieties are observed within the limits of the same race, which appear as if they were capricious and accidental deviations, analogous to those varieties which appear in cattle and other domestic animals. A careful inquiry as to the history of individuals and families will sometimes determine how far the phenomena alluded to may be referable to either of these observations.

The shape of the features and the form and expression of the countenance should be described. For this purpose words afford but very imperfect means of communicating correct ideas. It will be advisable in all instances to obtain, if possible, correct portraits of persons of both sexes, and these should be coloured so as to represent the complexion as well as the form of the countenance. If no artist should be present who is capable of taking a likeness, the form of the features may at least be described by a profile or shaded outline.

The colour of the eyes should be noted, as well as the direction of the eyebrows; whether oblique, as in the Chinese and some Tartar races, and standing upwards towards the temples, or straight and parallel to the margins of the orbits, as in most European heads.

The hair, whether woolly and crisp, or curled and wavy, or straight and flowing, should be described, and specimens obtained of it. Notice should be taken of any varieties of the hair which occur in any particular tribe, there being great varieties in the nature of the hair in some races, while in others it is nearly uniform. Its colour should also be remarked.

An account should be taken of the average stature and weight in both sexes. This can only be obtained

by the actual measurement and weighing of a considerable number of individuals, and the number and extent of the measurements should be mentioned. The proportional stature of the different sexes differing in different races, an account should be taken of this fact. Extreme cases should be noticed.

The proportion between the length of the limbs and the sternum, and the height of the body and the breadth of the pelvis, should be ascertained, and the length of the fore-arm in proportion to the stature of the body. This is known to be much greater in some races than in others.

Particular attention should be paid to the shape and relative size of the head, since this forms one of the principal characters distinguishing the several tribes of the human family from each other. The most authentic testimony in regard to this particular, and one which will be very acceptable to scientific men in this country, will be afforded by bringing home a collection of skulls, if they can be procured. In that case it would be necessary to select those skulls for specimens which afford the best idea of the prevailing form of the head in the particular tribes; and if several forms are observed in any race of people, which is the case in some islands of the Pacific Ocean, specimens should be sought which serve to identify every leading variety. If skulls cannot be procured, the best substitute will be casts of heads. Failing these, it will be requisite to take measurements. Such measurements should state the proportion between the longitudinal and transverse diameters of the skull, which will show whether the skulls of the tribe belong to the elongated form or to a rounder one. The facial