ordinary relative position of the jaws to each other. To this point I shall shortly return. The permanent teeth are, on the whole, well developed, neatly shaped, in fair proportion to the general structure of the individual, and at same time well placed, both as regards their growth above the gum, and the contour of the dental arch. There is, as yet, no appearance of the second molar in either jaw, but its situation is indicated by the flattened appearance of the gum and the space betwixt the first molar and the ramus.

No.4.

The form of the upper arch is somewhat remarkable, being rather narrow and pointed, yet without that overlapping of the front teeth usually accompanying what is familiarly termed the rabbit shape. The relative position of the jaws to each other, that is, the bite, has already been alluded to, and deserves special notice. Irrespective of the Assyrian lineaments marking the upper portion of Maximo's face, the retreating lower jaw gives his profile a strange hawk-like expression. Instead of the under front teeth falling immediately behind the upper, there is a clear space of ths of an inch between the two arches when shut, such as will admit of the thumb being freely passed

up to touch the palate, (see woodcut No. 4). This peculiar feature might, at first sight, be regarded as a freak of nature, exhibited in a solitary individual; but the relative position of the upper and under back teeth militates against such a view, and rather favours the assumption that the peculiarity extends to the immediate family, if not to the tribe (supposing such to exist), and that for the following reasons, namely, that while the upper jaw contains eleven teeth, all arranged with due regularity, the under contains only seven, by which provision of nature the molars in either jaw antagonise and fit into each other with great exactness, the posterior edge of the last tooth in either jaw being in a line with that of its adversary. This feature my observation has not enabled me to trace in cases of dental irregularity or mal-arrangement with children in this country, such, on the contrary, tending to effect the symmetry of the opposite arch, and destroy the regularity of a close-fitting bite.

It is highly interesting to trace the means by which nature has brought about the antagonism of the four six-year old teeth with each other. While the upper jaw has ample room for the full complement of teeth from the incisors to the first molars inclusive, and which will be twelve when completed; the retreating shape of the under jaw leaves room for eight only, the remaining four, namely the canines and second bicuspids being denied a place among their fellows, and thus by their exclusion the end is accomplished, the space betwixt both dental arches at their apex answering to that

NEW SERIES.-NO. L. FEBRUARY 1854.

which would be required on each side to contain the teeth awanting.

We now come to the case of the girl Bartola. In her dentition there is little to note, it being in a backward state. In the lower jaw (woodcut No. 6), she has got her two six-year old teeth, and a

permanent central incisor on the left side. All the other nine are deciduous and remain firm in their sockets, with the exception of the right central incisor which is about to give way to its permanent successor. There is a peculiarity in the lateral incisors and canine teeth on either side worthy of remark. These teeth are fused together, forming one instead of two separate teeth, all attempts to pass a thin blade down between them having failed. Such may occasionally be met with in single instances, but rarely in corresponding teeth in opposite sides of the dental arch. In the upper jaw (woodcut No. 5), the only permanent teeth that have as yet made their appearance, are the six-year old, the temporary set remaining quite unbroken. A word may, however, be said as to the shape of the dental arch.

On beholding these little creatures for the first time a few months ago, I was forcibly impressed with the idea that they were not of the same race. There was nothing in the physiognomy of the girl that corresponded with the prominent nose, lustrous protruding eye, retreating brow and silky hair of the boy. Her facial angle was entirely different, her eyes small, and her hair curling and even crisp were it not carefully looked after, and parted into ringlets, all which point rather to an African than an Asiatic origin. An examination of the upper dental arch strengthened the impression first made, its breadth and roundness with a slight flattening in the centre, bearing no small resemblance to that of the negro, and which must in the course of time become more apparent when the jaw is fully developed. This point, although away from that immediately before us, is still interesting and worthy of being touched on as showing the assistance to be obtained from an examination of the dental structure in determining the race to which an individual probably belongs.

pre

Having already mentioned that the object sought in examining the dentition of these children was, in the absence of any positive evidence on the point, to afford an opinion as to their probable age, years I may shortly state the conclusion come to, and the means by which The ages were judged to be about twelve it was arrived at. in the boy, and eight in the girl. In estimating them thus, the sent stage of dentition, in either case, would scarcely have warranted it, were that to be relied on as positive evidence on the point. Other appearances were sought for and found, tending to solve the difficulty. The development of the permanent teeth, as to their height above the gums, and, in the boy, the flattened appearance of the latter, at the heel of the jaw, betokening the advent of the twelve-year-old teeth, also the marks of attrition on such of the permanent teeth as had antagonists, were significant features, and although affording apparently but scanty evidence, yet taken in conjunction with the general structural development betokening a slow physical growth in each individual, warranted the opinion hazarded as to their age. In the absence of direct and positive evidence on the point, it is satisfactory to me to learn that the above opinion is identical with that expressed by one whose authority in such matters is of the A friend informs me that he was present at a greatest weight. meeting of the Ethnological Society of London, held in July last, when an elaborate essay was delivered by Professor Owen on the physical structure, age, etc., of the Aztec children, in which he assigned to them nearly, if not exactly, the ages which my examination led me to consider as nearest the truth. I have not been able to ascertain more precisely the exact opinion of Professor Owen, or the grounds on which he formed his conclusions. His paper has not yet been published, but will, I am led to understand, appear in the Transactions of the Society in the course of the approaching year.

ARTICLE III.-A few Observations on the Climate of Teneriffe. By
ARCHIBALD WM. PULTENEY PINKERTON, M.D., Ann. President
Royal Medical Society, Edinburgh.

IN drawing attention to a few scattered facts concerning Teneriffe,
I am not anxious to urge this climate in preference to others. I
would not venture to say that it will be of more service than another;
nor preferable to many other invalid resorts. In bringing forward
Teneriffe in this paper, I would merely draw attention to the few
facts gathered, and the few observations gleaned, during a two
months' residence in Santa Cruz, knowing that it is only by such
information, imparted by those who have had experience, that facts
are elicited and advantages reaped.

The climate of Teneriffe differs from that of Madeira in several respects. That of Madeira is well known, many persons having

gained such experience as enables them to speak favourably and decidedly. And in this respect many are correct, for to them is Madeira a place of relief, and an antidote to many sufferings. But it is incumbent on all who would truthfully observe the different arrangements of nature, to note the advantages and disadvantages of every place.

The climate of Madeira is acknowledged to be to several a source of benefit, and if so, the Canaries, situated as they are in much the same locality, may be expected to differ very little.

Placed in 28° of latitude, and nearer the African coast, it follows that the atmosphere will be drier, from its nearer approach to the equator. To some this will be an advantage, to many the reverse. Lying 200 miles further south, these islands partake more generally of a tropical appearance. Excessively hot in summer, they, from their greater amount of high land, present a greater proportional degree of cold in winter. This is especially the case in the island of Teneriffe, which, owing to the Peak, presents some of the winter phenomena observable in mountainous continental districts. And in this respect it differs from Madeira, concentrating within itself the beauties of the tropics with the genial coolness of an English autumnal noon. Of the seven islands composing the group, that of Teneriffe presents the most favourable resources for invalids; for at Santa Cruz, which is the chief town, all English and other steamers stop; there all functionaries live, and commerce exists.

Lying on the southern side of the island, with somewhat of an eastern exposure, the town sometimes suffers from the African winds. But in other respects it is sheltered, for all round a low ridge of mountainous country preserves it from the northern and north-west winds. It is exposed to the sun all through the year, with only the sea breeze, if the wind be favourable, to relieve the excessive heat. In size it is inconsiderable; in invalid accommodation very scanty. Cleanliness, however, in outward show, is no fault, while taste and convenience are always consulted: the well paved streets, whitewashed tidy houses, presenting a great contrast between those of the Spaniards on the continent and those on the island. The Peak is situated near the north-western extremity, while, stretching east, runs a ledge of hill, broken here and there by ravines and defiles of no great size when seen from the sea, and of no great influence over the climate of the town which lies at their foot. Towards the south-eastern extremity lies Santa Cruz. On the western shore, immediately at the foot of the Peak, lies Orotava, while between the two, among the high lands, lies Laguna. This, during winter, is damp and dreary in the extreme; in summer it is the resort of the population of Santa Cruz. Although this latter is so damp, Santa Cruz itself is the very opposite; for except the dew and sea breeze in the evening, the atmosphere seems to abound in dryness. In summer and autumn, the foliage is burned up, the people cannot show themselves during mid-day, and everything languishes

for moisture. It is not completely hedged in by mountains, like Funchal, but, lying at the foot of a gradual declivity of no great height, the natural scenic effect is not good. Besides, the soil seems so barren, so dry, so scanty; no foliage, nothing save defiles of no great extent covered with withering grass, that expectations are destroyed and hopes disappointed. Few houses save those in the town are seen; few gardens recal pleasant recollections; all is barren. Yet the same might have been said of other parts a few years back, and patience must be practised, experience gained, ere the same beautiful plenty is seen in Teneriffe as greets the eye from Funchal harbour. At first sight, every part looks scorched and withered, save where the deep shade of the orange leaf is seen mixed with its golden apple.

The town, of no great size, looks scattered, and presents nothing save white houses, of two or three but mostly of one storey in height. White walls surround them, while the coast fortifications, being of the same colour, produce an enlivening effect. All above, on the gentle slope, is scorched dried-up pasturage, with here and there plantations of cochineal, which being trained on broad-leaved stunted cactuses of rather a pale green colour, do not add to the beauty of the scenery. This rearing of cochineal forms at present the main employment of those who possess land near Santa Cruz, so that everything gives way to this, which produces a desert-like landscape. The sun is very strong, and, meeting with no counteracting agency, shines all day on the white-washed walls and houses, producing a heat which in summer and autumn is hardly to be tolerated even by the natives. In winter even the reflection from an extensive white wall is overpowering. The streets are neatly paved, clean, and not too narrow, while the houses themselves look comparatively clean and comfortable. Along the shore, towards the Lazaret, a good carriage-way extends; while in the other direction a delightful path leads in the shore and under the cliffs which stretch towards the eastern angle. There runs round the town, on the land side, a small carriage-road, which joins a very broad one stretching out twelve or twenty miles to Orotava. Towards the north-west, on high ground of a tableland character, six miles from Santa Cruz, lies the old capital, Laguna. Almost deserted during the winter, the dreary look of the empty large houses, still retaining the ornaments and devices of bygone nobility, amidst almost total solitude, present no attractions. During the summer, however, the green suburbs, the shade of the pines and arbutus, and the cooler air, attract the sea-side population, and then the alameda and the streets of this town present a lively appearance.

Orotava, the next town of importance, lies completely on the west coast, at the foot of the Peak, which towers away to the south. This is said to possess some conveniences for invalids, and several English are now located there; but no vessel touches at that port, while the road over the island from Santa Cruz not being completed, access