DWARFS AND DWARF-WORSHIP.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—The letter in the Spectator of September 19th on this fascinating topic, based on Mr. Haliburton's paper at the Oriental Congress, fully bears out the concluding paragraph of my letter in the Times of September 17th. After showing categorically how false was the whole presumed foundation of evidence for this dwarf theory,—i.e., that a race of dwarfs existed in hiding on the south of the Atlas,—I pointed out the danger lest other still more imposing fabrics of fancy should be reared thereon. So far my fears were realised, since Dr.
Leitner's unhesitating decision in favour of the dwarf theory, when under discussion at the Congress, only confirmed what popular ignorance had received as fact. The leader on the subject in Monday's Times, after giving due weight to Mr. Haliburton's attempt to reply to my criticism, which decides that he suffers from " dwarfs on the brain," ought to set some of our friends thinking. Few appreciate the danger to science which arises from an over-hasty reception of theories drawn from unproved statements. It is the periodical ex• posures of such delusions which tend to render the general public cynical as to much that our scientists are at great pains to bring forward and publish. "First catch your hare, then cook him," is an adage—to the credit of whomsoever it be placed—of wider application in search or research than is usually imagined. When these dwarfs are actually discovered it will be ample time to preach about the mysterious homage rendered to them or their kinsfolk, and it is useless to at- tribute their sacred character to metal working or anything -else till we are sure even of their existence.—I am, Sir, &c.,
JAS. E. BUDGETT MEAKIN.
269 Camden Road, N., September 23rd.
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