The Council of the Philosophical Society of Glasgow having in contemplation the formation of a Geographical and Ethnological Section suggested my reading a Paper bearing on these depart ments of Science. The great problems of African geography which have just been solved, with some notice of the ethnological problems on which we are now entering, presented to my mind a suitable subject. If, in a general and introductory form, this Paper paves the way for the scientific treatment of these subjects by others at future meetings of the Society, I shall feel that my object has been attained. The subject is at present of intense public interest. While I have not hesitated to direct attention to questions of practical bearing and importance, I have endeavoured to do so by the statement of facts which are within the sphere of a Philosophical Society.