EXPEDITION TO WEST EOR BIRD GROUPS 209 



haunts and even commtinicate with the Uving. The rehgious 

 ceremonies of the Blackfeet are quite complex and are usually 

 based upon elaborate rituals. These rituals are in turn based 

 upon one or more myths. In some cases it seems possible to 

 trace out the development of a ritual by successive additions 

 from separate myths. It is interesting to note, however, that 

 these myths still remain distinct and independent, while the 

 rituals are justified by reference to them. Several of these 

 rituals have been recorded by phonograph and transcriptions 

 made, which together with the accompanying ceremonial objects 

 and regalia give the Museum a valuable addition to its North 

 American collections. 



Another important feature of this visit was the discovery of 

 extensive archaeological remains on the site of the present Black- 

 feet Reservation. Up to this time next to nothing was known 

 of the archaeology of the head-waters of the Missouri and the 

 Plains to the north, and some archaeologists have ventured to 

 assume that this region was peopled within the last five hundred 

 years. While the mere finding of deeply imbedded remains does 

 not prove ancient occupation, nevertheless, it marks an important 

 advance in our knowledge of this area. 



With the result of the season's work the Museum has available 

 the information and material for a critical study of the origin of 

 the Blackfeet tribes and the presentation of their native culture, 

 both material and immaterial. As these people occupied the 

 extreme northwest comer of the Plains and were in geographical 

 proximity to the Indians of British Columbia, especially investi- 

 gated by the Museum, the recording of their culture is of con- 

 siderable ethnological importance. 



Clark Wissler. 



IV.— THE EXPEDITION TO THE WEST FOR BIRD GROUPS. 



]HE writer, accompanied by J. D. Figgins, of the 

 Department of Preparation, and Bruce Horsfall, 

 artist, left New York April 28, 1906, to gather 

 material for groups of cert tin western birds. 

 These groups belong in the series designed to show 

 not only North American birds, but North America as well. 



