Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 51.djvu/756

738 Albanians kept by themselves that after four centuries they are still characterized by a cephalic index higher by four units than the pure long-headed Italians about them. Many Greek colonists have settled along these same coasts. They, however, being of the same ethnic Mediterranean stock as the natives, are not physically distinguishable from them.

In conclusion, let us for a moment compare the two islands of Sicily and Sardinia in respect of their populations. With the latter we may rightly class Corsica, although it belongs to France politically. Our maps corroborate the historical evidence with surprising clearness. In the first place, the fertility and general climate of Sicily are in marked contrast to the volcanic, often unpropitious geological formations of the other islands. In respect of topography as well, the differences between the two are very great. Sardinia is as rugged as the Corsican nubble north of it. In accessibility and strategic importance Sicily is alike remarkable. Commanding both straits at the waist of the Mediterranean, it has been, as Freeman in his masterly description puts it, "the meeting place of the nations." Tempting therefore and accessible, this island has been incessantly overrun by invaders from all over Europe—Sicani, Siculi, Fenicii, Greeks and Romans, followed by Albanians, Vandals, Goths, Saracens, Normans, and at last by the French and Spaniards. Is it any wonder that its people are less pure in physical type than the Sardinians or even the Calabrians on the mainland nearby? Especially is this noticeable on its southern coasts, always more open to colonization than on the northern edge. Nor is it surprising, as Freeman rightly adds, that "for the very reason that Sicily has found dwelling places for so many nations a Sicilian nation there never has been."

Sardinia and Corsica, on the other hand, are two of the most primitive and isolated spots on the European map, for they are islands a little off the main line. Feudal institutions of the middle ages still prevail to a large extent. We are told that the old wooden plow of the Romans is still in common use to-day. This geographical isolation is peculiarly marked in the interior and all along the eastern coasts, where almost no harbors are to be found. Here in Sardinia stature descends to the very lowest level in all Europe, almost in the world. Whether a result of unfavorable environment or not, this trait is very widespread to-day. It seems to have become truly hereditary. It extends over fertile and barren tracts alike. In other details also there is the greatest