[84] I have already pointed out, in my introduction (p. 41-43), some of the fatal consequences that spring from that doctrine. It may not, however, be out of place here to mention another. The communists, socialists, Fourrierites, or whatever names such enemies to our social system assume, have often seduced the unwary and weak-minded, by the plausible assertion that they wished to restore the social system of the first Christians, who held all goods in common, etc. Many religious sectaries have created serious disturbances under the same pretence. It seems, indeed, reasonable to suppose, that if Christianity had given its exclusive sanction to any particular social and political system, it must have been that which the first Christian communities adopted.--H. [85] See note on page 188.--H. [86] _Natural History of Man_, p. 390. London, 1843. [87] _Synopsis of the Indian Tribes of North America._ [88] Had I desired to contest the accuracy of the assertions upon which Mr. Prichard bases his arguments in this case, I should have had in my favor the weighty authority of Mr. De Tocqueville, who, in speaking of the Cherokees, says: "What has greatly promoted the introduction of European habits among these Indians, is the presence of so great a number of half-breeds. The man of mixed race--participating as he does, to a certain extent, in the enlightenment of the father, without, however, entirely abandoning the savage manner of the mother--forms the natural link between civilization and barbarism. As the half-breeds increase among them, we find savages modify their social condition, and change their manners." (_Dem. in Am._, vol. i. p. 412.) Mr. De Tocqueville ends by predicting that the Cherokees and Creeks, albeit they are half-breeds, and not, as Mr. Prichard affirms, pure aborigines, will, nevertheless, disappear before the encroachments of the whites. [89] "When four pieces of cards were laid before them, each having a number pronounced _once_ in connection with it, they will, after a re-arrangement of the pieces, select any one named by its number. They also play at domino, and with so much skill as to triumph over biped opponents, whining if the adversary plays a wrong piece, or if they themselves are deficient in the right one."--_Vest. of Cr._, p. 236.--H. INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO CHAPTERS VIII. AND IX. Rapid survey of the populations comprised under the appellation "Teutonic"--Their present ethnological area, and leading characteristics--Fondness for the sea displayed by the Teutonic tribes of Northwestern Europe, and perceptible in their descendants.