Fig. 1. Map of Australia showing geographical distribution of tribes.
PLATE I
Wordaman natives on the march.
“... they drop behind our caravan, and, at a measured distance, in our trail.”
CHAPTER II
RACIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Straightness of figure—Angular contours—Absence of fatty tissue—Nature’s economy—Abnormal obesity—Straight spinal column—Flat and long dorsal curve—Ensellure—Strong cervical curve—Uniformity of sacro-lumbar curve—Flexibility of spine due to thick cartilaginous discs—Racial comparisons between length of vertebræ and that of intervertebral discs—Influence of upright attitude—Smallness of bones composing the spinal column and the explanation—Exceptions to rule—Narrow sacral bone—Peculiarities of fifth lumbar vertebra—Long extremities of equal length—Foot suggests tree-climbing—Evolution of foot—So-called “hand-footed” men—Feet used for lifting and carrying purposes—Function of peroneus muscle—Flatfoot rare—Correct placement of foot when walking—Tree-climbing and its effects—Peculiarity of Tasmanian’s foot—The shape and skeleton of lower limbs—“Boomerang” legs—Shoulder and arm bones—Bodily height of male and female.