Note 481 — VII HUNTING AND FISHING RACES

It is impossible to estimate the amount of elimination from this source. It is, as a rule, no doubt small. In India, although a higher degree of skill has been reached, elimination from this source is not inconsiderable owing to the prevalence of poisonous snakes. ‘In 1910, 55 persons were killed by elephants, 25 by hyenas, 109 by bears, 319 by wolves, 853 by tigers, and 688 by other animals, including wild pigs. No less than 22,478 died from the bite of poisonous snakes. The grand total of mortality is 24,878’ (Lull, Organic Evolution, p. 105). The amount of elimination will vary according to the nature of the fauna, the geographical surroundings, habits, and other factors. Thus among the Eskimo the use of the ‘kayak’ is responsible for a considerable number of deaths. See Crantz, loc. cit., p. 166; Nansen, loc. cit., p. 55; Boas, 6th A. R. B. E., p. 433.