20 DECEMBER 1884, Page 13

EFFECT OF OUTDOOR LIFE ON THE PHYSIQUE.

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—In the Sp( ctator of November 29th, Mr. G. Darbishire writes from West Virginia that on the western slope of the Appalachians, or Allgehanies, "many families are dark,—sallow complexion, straight, coarse black hair, little or no beard, and a noiseless, slouching gait." He thinks these characteristics are due to generations of outdoor life ; but surely this cannot account for the absence of beard. A mixture of Indian blood, effected before that race disappeared, seems the probable cause. I am, Sir, &c.,