328 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, L889 



in respect of these and similar sciences than are other countries of the 

 world. But in respect of tbe prehistoric anthropology of this coun- 

 try it is different. The duty weighs heavier and solely upon us. 



The Smithsonian Institution and National Museum stand as beacon 

 lights to the American people in respect to science, and are the great 

 representative scientific institutions of our country. In this regard 

 they represent the United States Government; they stand for it and 

 speak for it. They have the ear of its Executive and of its legislature, 

 and exercise an influence with the Government not possessed by pri- 

 vate individuals or organizations, and therefore a certain responsibility 

 rests upon them whether they will or nor. 



As a means of correcting the defect mentioned, 1 would respectfully 

 suggest the giving of greater attention to the dissemination of informa- 

 tion among the people. This can be done through publications, by 

 means of lectures, and by the organization in kindred societies for con- 

 cert of action and more extensive preparation at their meetings for the 

 presentation of this subject in its proper light. 1 also suggest the 

 preparation of series of specimens illustrating the science of Prehistoric 

 Anthropology, accompanied with descriptive letter-press and catalogue; 

 these to be distributed to all institutionsof learning in the United States, 

 receiving in exchange such implements and objects as are possible. 

 Perhaps the most important factor of all would be the endeavor to in- 

 crease the knowledge and interest of the executive and legislative of- 

 ficers of our Government, so that the science of Prehistoric Anthropol- 

 ogy could be certain to receive in the future their countenance, support, 

 and assistance. 



IMPORTANT ACCESSIONS DURING: THE YEAR. 



Dr. E. C. Black, Wheatland, Indiana, sent twenty leaf-shaped imple- 

 ments from a cache or deposit. He states that they were found while 

 plowing the side of a clay hill in an old field in Harrison Township, 

 Knox County, Indiana. The laud had been in cultivation eighteen 

 years, and its beiug a hill-side indicates that the implements were 

 buried in the ground for a purpose. (Accession 2107G.) 



The Cincinnati Society of Natural History (through Horace P. Smith, 

 108 Broadway, Cincinnati, Ohio), forwarded a collection from the cem- 

 etery at Madisonville, Ohio, consisting of flint knife, drills and 

 scrapers, rude and fine spear and arrow-points, chisel and gouges, per- 

 forators, scrapers made from the leg-bones of deer (peculiar to Madi- 

 sonville), bone beads and needles, animal teeth such as bear, beaver, 

 porcupine, woodchuck, elk, lynx, and raccoon. Also perforated uuio 

 valves, carbonized maize and ashes from altar mound number 3; 203 

 specimens. (Accession 2120G.) 



C. T. Wiltheiss, Piqua, Ohio. Six flint Hakes and points, I perforator, 

 17 rude implements more or less leaf-shaped (Hint), 14 disk-like imple- 

 ments of slate (Plate V), 1 L polished stone hatchets, 2 grooved axes, 1 



