Note 13 — THE STORY OF THE UNIVERSE (continued 7)

The figures given in the above table represent no more than an approximate estimate. It is only in the case of Europe that we possess the means of making such calculations with any approach to accuracy. The amount of the population of China alone has been stated with wide variations—the estimates ranging between two hundred millions and more than double that number. We adopt above the higher number, which appears to be confirmed by the general testimony of observers. The number of inhabitants within the African continent (and especially within those portions of it populated by the negro race) is scarcely more than a guess: the figures given above are probably rather below than in excess of the truth.