REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE XVll 



Late in the season explorations were begun on the Atlantic slope 

 by Mr. F. B. McGuire, archeologist, in the caves of the upper Po- 

 tomac in West Virginia. Mr. Holmes personally made a recon- 

 naissance in Georgia and Alabama for the purpose of collecting 

 definite information regarding the caves of the south. 



With the aid of Mr. F. B. McGuire and Dr. J. W. Fewkes, a cave 

 in Porto Rico was explored without expense to the Institution. 



The present report can be regarded as only one of progress, since 

 Dr. Fewkes and Mr. McGuire are still in the field. 



George F. Kunz, New York city. Grant No. 52. To investigate the 

 precious stones and minerals used in ancietit Babylonia in corinedion 

 with the investigation of Mr. William Hayes Ward. $500. 



Abstract of Report. — This is an investigation in cooperation with 

 that of Mr. William Hayes Ward. It was deferred until winter in 

 order to secure the cooperation of Mr. Ward after his return from 

 his investigations in Europe. 



William Hayes Ward, New York city. Grant No. 50. For study 

 of orieyital art recorded oft seals, etc., from westeryi Asia. $1,500. 



Dr. Ward has been for fifteen years devoting his spare time to 

 oriental archeology, with special reference to the beginnings of art 

 and mythology, as shown in recovered monuments and especially in 

 the seal cylinders, which preserve a large part of the early art. He 

 has handled thousands of seals and has paper impressions of thou- 

 sands. The investigation covers a period from about 4000 B. C. to 

 about 400 A. D. and will include a study of the mythological repre- 

 sentations and various designs, emblems, and inscriptions contained 

 in them. 



Abstract of Report. — During last summer Dr. Ward visited vari- 

 ous museums in the United States and in Europe, where he ex- 

 amined the great collections of Paris and Berlin. Every facility was 

 granted by the authorities in charge, and he made notes and ob- 

 tained casts of such cylinders and seals as were required for his 

 investigations. He is now engaged in the preparation of manuscript 

 and illustrations. It is estimated that it will require about two 

 years to complete the study and prepare the results for publication. 



