REPORT OF THE SECRETARY 21 



historical sources the main outlines of this Gulf culture, but much 

 more information is needed regarding the rituals, idols, ceremonial 

 objects, and symbolism on pottery before we can form a complete 

 idea of this interesting aboriginal culture. 



Dr. J. Walter Fewkes, chief of the bureau, spent several weeks 

 in reconnaissance near Florence, Ala., where a number of interesting 

 Indian mounds were located which will be submerged with the com- 

 pletion of the Wilson Dam at Muscle Shoals. Mr. Gerard Fowke 

 continued the excavation of two of these mounds, which yielded a 

 considerable collection including rare copper ornaments, among the 

 largest known from the Tennessee Valley. Doctor Fewkes also pre- 

 pared during the year an illustrated report on a collection of archeo- 

 logical objects from Youngs Canyon, near Flagstaff, Ariz., a region 

 of great importance in determining the relationship of the various 

 culture areas of the Southwest. 



During the past year, Mr. Earl H. Morris, under the direction 

 of Doctor Fewkes, did necessary repair work on the famous tower 

 of the Mummy Cave House in the Canj^on del Muerto, Ariz., which 

 will go far toward preserving what is considered one of the finest 

 examples of aboriginal architecture in the entire Southwest. 



Dr. John R. S wanton discovered further material bearing on the 

 social and religious life of the Creek Indians, and embodied this 

 information in papers now being prepared for publication. He 

 also prepared a paper as a result of his recent study of the smaller 

 culture centers within our present Gulf States, entitled " Culture of 

 the Southeast " and a short report on the " Ethnology of the Chick- 

 asaw," and he continued worlr on the now extinct Timucua language. 



Dr. Truman Michelson continued his studies of the Fox Indians, 

 transcribing and translating a number of texts relating to their 

 customs and beliefs. He also renewed his researches among the 

 Algonquian tribes of Iowa, spending part of the summer in that 

 State. 



During the year, Mr. John P. Harrington continued his work on 

 the Burton Mound Indian village situated at Santa Barbara, pre- 

 paring for publication the material resulting from last year's excava- 

 tions in cooperation with the Museum of the American Indian, and 

 carrying on additional excavations at the same site which have 

 yielded much important material. In addition, he prepared a rejoort 

 on the archeology of the Santa Barbara region along both historical 

 and archeological lines. Mr. Harrington also made an exhaustive 

 study of the language of the Tule Indians of Panama, eight of 

 whom were brought to Washington by Mr. R. O. Marsh in October, 

 1924, and remained until January, 1925, thus giving him an excellent 

 opportunity for this investigation. 

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