The Descent of Man

unproductiveness of the women, and on the
extraordinary mortality of the young children
(pp. 31, 34). In proof of this he shews (p. 33)
that in 1844 there was one non-adult for every
2.57 adults; whereas in 1858 there was only one
non-adult for every 3.27 adults. The mortality
of the adults is also great. He adduces as a further
cause of the decrease the inequality of the
sexes; for fewer females are born than males. To
this latter point, depending perhaps on a widely
distinct cause, I shall return in a future chapter.
Mr. Fenton contrasts with astonishment the
decrease in New Zealand with the increase in
Ireland; countries not very dissimilar in climate,
and where the inhabitants now follow nearly
similar habits. The Maories themselves (p.
35) "attribute their decadence, in some measure,
to the introduction of new food and clothing,
and the attendant change of habits"; and it will
be seen, when we consider the influence of
changed conditions on fertility, that they are
probably right. The diminution began between