Page:An introduction to Dravidian philology.djvu/76

Rh habitations, amidst insanitary surroundings, disease and death claiming them in thousands and the population subjected to decimation year after year, it is no wonder that in each succeeding census we find the mention of whole races of these hill and forest tribes obliterated To preserve those races from extinction, to bring them within the pale of civilization and let them share in the common joys and sorrows of mankind, is a mission worthy of the highest praise. And yet, to reach their inner thoughts, to understand them aright and make them understand you, it is highly necessary to be acquainted with their language, which is the only instrument granted to man for intercommunication. Let us realize for a while that the forest dweller is extremely afraid of the approach of the civilized man and flees away from him even as the timid deer on hearing a rustle among the bushes, that it is very