REPORT OP THE SECRETARY. 13 



EXPLORATIONS. 



As in past years a large amount of exploration work has been accom- 

 plished by the Institution through the National Museum and the 

 Bureau of Ethnology, particularly in anthropological and natural his- 

 tory lines, detailed accounts of which are given in the appendix. 



It was expected that Congress would make provision for extended 

 explorations in the new possessions acquired as a result of the war 

 with Spain, but the time seemed inopportune for general work. It 

 was found possible, however, to make limited investigations in Puerto 

 Rico partly through the cooperation of the Commissioner of Fish and 

 Fisheries. 



It seems important that I should repeat my recommendation of last 

 year in regard to the new regions, that not only for practical purposes, 

 but as a contribution to the general intelligence of mankind, the Gov- 

 ernment should institute scientific inquiry as to the natural history, 

 geology, geography, ethnology, archaeology, and scientific utilities of 

 any new possessions. These inquiries should be made coherently and 

 harmoniously on the part of the various Government interests involved. 



In April, 1899, the Institution communicated with the Secretary of 

 the Navy in regard to the Island of Guam, a new possession of the 

 United States, and the commander of the U. S. S. Yosetnite was given 

 instructions about collecting ethnological, zoological, and natural his- 

 tory specimens in that region. 



The attention of the Institution having been called to the probability 

 of obtaining valuable archaeological information through the diplo- 

 matic and consular representatives of the United States in Canada, 

 Central America, and South America, the Department of State issued 

 the following circular: 



ANTIQUARIAN DISCOVERIES. 



Department of State, 

 • Washington, J^ebruari/ 15, 1899. 



To the Diplomatic and Consular Offlcers of the United States in Cen- 

 tral and South America and Mexico, a^id the Consular Officers in 

 Canada. 



Gentlemen: In view of the interests of anthropological science, 

 and the probability that, without systematic plans for gathering such 

 information, important antiquarian discoveries may escape the notice 

 of American investigators, you are requested to ascertain and to report 

 to the Department any discoveries of this character that ma}^ be made 

 in your district. 



In making such reports you will forward copies of any original nar- 

 rations or descriptions that may be availa})le. 



These reports are called for at the suggestion of the Smithsonian 

 Institution in a letter of the 1st instant, which is appended hereto. 

 1 am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, 



Thomas W. Cridler, 



Third Assistant Secretary. 



