Trans. N, Yo Aec5tz. * 124 Feb. 27 
Everything indicates that the civilization of Central America, Mexico 
and Peru was indigenous, and sprang from a common source, spread- 
ing along on the west slope of the Cordilleras from Chili to Central 
America, and northward to the fortieth parallel. Throughout this 
region the phases of development were essentially alike, and it is prob- 
able that constant intercourse was maintained by sea between South 
and North America. 
The origin of this peculiar civilization is a problem not yet solved, 
but it is almost certain that it borrowed nothing from Europe, Africa 
or Asia. 
Some facts seem to indicate that it was a growth from seed imported 
from India by way of the Pacific Islands, many of which contain stone 
monuments and structures which have a striking resemblance to those 
of the west coast of America. 
Dr. NEWBERRY spoke somewhat fully of his own observations and 
experiences among the Zuni villages, at a time when scarcely any 
Americans had ever before visited them ; and also of the peculiar re- 
mains of ancient mining operations in the Lake Superior copper-region 
and in certain of the oil-wells of Pennsylvania and Ohio, as studied by 
himself. At the close of the lecture he showed a number of very 
finely-wrought pieces of ornamental weaving obtained among the 
Pueblo tribes, and a large series of lantern views illustrating the several 
topics treated of in the course of the lecture. 
: February 27, 1882. 
ANNUAL MEETING. 
The President, Dr. NEWBERRY, in the Chair. 
Thirty-eight persons present. 
The report of the Treasurer, Dr. JoHN H. HINTON, was read. 
The principal receipts during the year had been: from initiation 
fees and annual dues, $1,535.00; from interest on bonds, $152.00; 
from subscriptions to and sales of the Annals, $335.86; and from 
contributions to the Patrons’ Fund, $100 each from Professor A. R. 
LEEDS and Mrs. HENRY HERMANN. The chief items of expense 
had been: $500 for binding portions of the library, and $689.68 for 
printing and engraving (Annals, circulars, notices of meetings, etc.) ; 
for rent of the society’s rooms there had been paid, $469.50; and for 
three U.S. 4 per-cent bonds (to Patrons’ Fund), $354.37. 
The report of the Recording Secretary, Dr. O. P. HUBBARD, was 
presented. 
Thirty-four sessions of the Academy and eight meetings of the 
