i«97. SOME NEW BOOKS. 55 



the series is fully maintained in the report issued in 1896, under the 

 able directorship of Major J. W. Powell. 



In his general introductory remarks, the Director gives informa- 

 tion regarding the organisation and operations of the Bureau. He 

 describes the gradual extension of the lines of research promoted by 

 it, as new fields of investigation suggested themselves as necessary, 

 in view of a complete elucidation of North American ethnology and 

 archaeology. Incidentally one may gather some idea of the enormously 

 rich and seemingly inexhaustible field of exploration open to American 

 investigators within the confines of their own national boundaries. 

 One cannot but be struck with the great activity of researchers in 

 ethnology in the United States, under the auspices of a government 

 which liberally contributes funds for that most important branch of 

 study, and lament the scarcity of funds devoted to the purpose in our 

 own country. 



The first paper in the volume is one by Professor W. H. Holmes 

 on " Prehistoric Textile Art of the Eastern United States." This 

 writer has already devoted much attention to the subject, and his 

 skilful restoration models of ancient textiles from their negative 

 impressions in clay (pottery, etc.) are well known. The work is 

 important as forming a portion of the investigations of the condition 

 of the Mound-Builders, conducted with a view to determining who 

 these people were, and what relationship they bear to the modern 

 Indian. Professor Holmes' researches have borne out those of others 

 in other branches of the subject, and tend to identify the culture of the 

 Mound-Builders with that of the modern Indians, who are presum- 

 ably their descendants. Perishable structures, such as textiles, are 

 apt to be conspicuous by their absence amongst prehistoric remains ; 

 but, as Professor Holmes relates, he has drawn his material largely 

 from fragments preserved accidentally by contact with copper, whose 

 oxides have proved preservative, or through the agency of salts con- 

 tained in the earth, or by charring, or, as already stated, from nega- 

 tive impressions of textiles in burnt clay. The many illustrations are 

 clear and well chosen. 



A paper upon " Stone Art," by Mr. Gerard Fowke, surveys the 

 different articles of stone found in the ancient mounds, and under 

 various circumstances, on or below the surface of the ground, 

 together with those obtained from living Indians. Here again, a 

 comparison of the stone art-products of the Mound-Builders with 

 those of the modern Indian, reveals a strong kinship between the 

 two, helping to link their ancient and recent makers into one 

 family. The classification adopted in the paper is one which has its 

 conveniences, especially for cataloguing purposes, but its value is 

 practical rather than scientific. Classification is difficult where 

 function is unknown, and such group names as "Banner-stones," 

 " Gorgets," " Cones," etc., must of necessity remain indefinite and 

 unsatisfactory until the use of the articles comprised within the groups 

 has been determined. The tables of geographical distribution are 

 excellent for reference, and the illustrations numerous and good. 



Elaborate surveys of aboriginal remains in the Verde Valley, 

 Arizona, are described by Mr. Cosmos Mindeleff, who gives a sketch 

 of the physical features of the district, which have played so important 

 a part in determining, here as elsewhere, the nature of the habitations 

 and mode of life of the inhabitants. The remains of stone-built 

 villages, isolated lodges, and the curious and interesting cave-dwell- 

 ings, are described in detail ; and extensive irrigation works proclaim 

 ingenuity in agricultural processes and skill in overcoming a natural 



