In considering the divisions of the Formosan aborigines, it would be well for present-day investigators to guard against the error into which some European writers on the subject, in the early numbers of the _China Review_ (1873-4), seem to have fallen--that is, the error of regarding the Chinese terms of _Pepo-huan_ ([Illustration]) _Sek-huan_ ([Illustration]), and _Chin-huan_ ([Illustration]), as signifying ethnic or tribal divisions. In reality, these terms--in the Amoy dialect of Chinese--mean, taking the words in the order given above, respectively: “Barbarian of the Plain,” “Ripe Barbarian” (i.e. semi-civilized), and “Green Barbarian” (i.e. wild, or altogether savage). These terms were applied by the Chinese indiscriminately to the various tribes, irrespective of difference of dialect or of physical characteristics. Regarding the latter point--physical characteristics: while, broadly speaking, all the aborigines of Formosa conform to the general “Malay type,” yet one who has been much among the different tribes can distinguish without much difficulty--quite apart from difference in tattoo-marking--between the tall, rather prognathous Taiyal of the north; the more mongoloid type of the Ami and Paiwan on the east coast; the handsomer, aquiline-nose type--approximating to that of certain tribes of the American Indians--of the central mountain-range Bunun; and the ever-smiling, gentler, darker Yami,[52] of Botel Tobago (Japanese “Koto Sho”), the tiny island just south of Formosa proper (see illustrations showing types of the different tribes). To return for a moment to the Chinese system of classification--one based on various degrees of culture (from the Chinese point of view) existing among the aborigines: The _Pepo-huan_ are about as non-existent in Formosa to-day as are the ancient Britons in present-day England. They--the _Pepo-huan_--formerly lived in the eastern plains, and the few who have not been exterminated have been amalgamated with the Chinese-Formosan population. The indefinite term of _Sek-huan_ is sometimes applied to those members of the Ami and Paiwan tribes who have come most closely into contact with the Chinese. Under the term _Chin-huan_ are included all the other tribes of the island.