THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 297 



respects would be disgraceful to the brute creation. These remarks, 

 Ijowever, apply more especially to the Pueblo ludians in the vicinity 

 of the Navajo country, the Navajoes themselves having, as we have 

 remarked, no traditions, make no pottery., nor do they keep any sacred 

 liies burning, 



A new country and a new people are apt to excite the imagination 

 of those who see them for tlie first time. Especially is this the case 

 in the present instance. This country, which M^as long a terra incog- 

 nita, has been pointed out as the probable temporary abode of the 

 celebrated people found by the Spaniards in the valley of Mexico, 

 while everything relating to them is interesting on account of the 

 obscurity which envelopes their origin. 



Note. — It afTorda me much pleasure to acknowledge my obli!2;ations to Major Kendrick, 

 oi the army, for information in reference to this country and these people ; and espe- 

 pinlly as the vahie of his information is Cfjualled only by his willingness and his kindness 

 iu im^Kurting it. 



