MICRONESIA AND MELANESIA, names of Greek origin, meaning respectively "small islands" and "black islands." The first is used by most geographers to describe the Ladrone and Caroline islands, Marshall's islands, the Kingsmill group, Radack and Ralick chains, the Gilbert group, and meny others of small size. All of these are in the n.w. part of Polynesia and e. of India, being all n. of the equator/and between 130° and 180° e. long. The most important of the groups are described under the proper titles. The inhabitants of the various groups speak a tongue which is not similar to those used in other parts of Polynesia, but nearer akin to that of the Malays, to whom many of the islanders bear a strong resemblance in color and features. Like most of the Polynesian groups, the islands are of coral or volcanic formation, scarcely rising above the level of the sea. Very little political or social connection exists between the differ ent groups. The civilization and language of Micronesia were evidently derived in ancient times from contact with or descent from the Malays. The language is clear, flowing, and indicates that the inhabitants have at some time in the past been in a nuich higher state of civilization than when first visited by Europeans. Missionary stations
have been established upon many of the islands and large numbers of the natives have been Christianized. On the other hand, the custom of ships, and especially whalers, of using the islands as a watering-station, has introduced drunkenness, debauchery, and disease to such an extent that the population is rapidly decreasing. The natives are dis tinguished from those of Australasia by their brown complexions and straight hair. In Melanesia, as the name implies, the inhabitants have the characteristics of the negro race. This name is given by some modern writers on geography to that part of Australasia lying s. of the equator and of Micronesia, and including Papua or New Guinea, New Ireland, Solomon's isles, the Louisiade group, New Hebrides, New Caledonia, and many small groups. The name is given altogether on the physiological grounds indicated, and is hardly well established as a geographical designation. See, for description, the articles under the names of the separate islands; also POLYNESIA., ante.