[Scott]

I think the word species is a bit too narrow for the question. I don't know if I'm getting at inferring the use of the word genus, or anything... honestly, I've been away from any biology texts for too long to infer such a thing. I do think however, that hobbits would have to be counted as men. The differences between men and hobbits aren't as far off as those separating say a Numenorien from a (and forgive my diction) "lesser man" of Middle Earth. And without trying to throw the race card into this, I see the difference as being similar to that of being a Scotsman versus being from China. Maybe more appropriately, a Haradrim versus a farmer in Rohan.

And, although I did see the warning against such a post, I think it would be quite a nice... umm... debate, on whether or not the dwarves were better craftsmen than Feanor was. I personally don't think so, but there may be some Gimli fans out there who could bring up some very swaying evidence - the Nauglamir, for example.