Trans. N. V. Ac. Sc/. 124 Fed. 27 



Everything indicates that the civilization of Central America, Mexico 

 and Peru was indigenous, and sprang from a common source, spread- 

 ing along on the west slope of the Cordilleras from Chili to Central 

 America, and northward to the fortieth parallel. Throughout this 

 region the phases of development were essentially alike, and it is prob- 

 able that constant intercourse was maintained by sea between South 

 and North America. 



The origin of this peculiar civilization is a problem not yet solved, 

 but it is almost certain that it borrowed nothing from Europe, Africa 

 or Asia. 



Some facts seem to indicate that it was a growth from seed imported 

 from India by way of the Pacific Islands, many of which contain stone 

 monuments and structures which have a striking resemblance to those 

 of the west coast of America. 



Dr. Newberry spoke somewhat fully of his own observations and 

 experiences among the Zufii villages, at a tmie when scarcely any 

 Americans had ever before visited them ; and also of the peculiar re- 

 mains of ancient mining operations in the Lake Superior copper-region 

 and in certain of the oil-wells of Pennsylvania and Ohio, as studied by 

 himself. At the close of the lecture he showed a number of very 

 finely-wrought pieces of ornamental weaving obtained among the 

 Pueblo tribes, and a large series of lantern views illustrating the several 

 topics treated of in the course of the lecture. 



February 27, 1882. 



Annual Meeting. 

 The President, Dr. Newberry, in the Chair. 

 Thirty eight persons present. 

 The report of the Treasurer, Dr. John H. Hinton, was read. 



The principal receipts during the year had been : from initiation 

 fees and annual dues, $1,535.00; from interest on bonds, $152.00; 

 from subscriptions to and sales of the Annals, $535.86 ; and from 

 contributions to the Patrons' Fund, $ioo eac'i from Professor A. R. 

 Leeds and Mrs. Henry Hermann. The chief items of expense 

 had been : $500 for binding portions of the library, and $689.68 for 

 printing and engraving (Annals, circulars, notices of meetings, etc.) ; 

 for rent of the society's rooms there had been paid, $469.50; and for 

 three U. S. 4 per-cent bonds (to Patrons' Fund), $354.37. 



The report of the Recording Secretary, Dr. O. P. Hubbard, was 

 presented. 



Thirty-four sessions of the Academy and eight meetings of the 



