77 8 The Smithsonian Institution 



as an aid to our knowledge of the physical geography of the 

 rivers, but also as determining the steps to be taken, and 

 which have subsequently been carried out, for improving the 

 navigation of the rivers and the prevention of inundations. 



Great wisdom was shown by the Institution in its earlier 

 days in aiding other institutions unable to incur the whole 

 expenses of an expedition, by furnishing the means for send- 

 ing out skilled parties connected with such universities, 

 thereby obtaining more satisfactory results and interesting 

 broader circles than if the expeditions had been made solely 

 by the Institution. Thus Professor Charles B. Adams, of 

 Amherst College, was sent to the West Indies and Panama 

 on two expeditions in i85i-'52, at the joint expense of the 

 Smithsonian Institution and the College. In 1868, Frederick 

 Sumichrast, of Kentucky University, was sent out to explore 

 the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and he prepared an account 

 of his journey, which was made at the joint expense of the 

 University and the Smithsonian Institution. 



In 1868 the remains of a bone cave were found in the 

 West India island of Anguilla and thoroughly examined 

 by experts of the Smithsonian. This investigation throws 

 light not only on the ancient life, but also on the geography 

 of the West Indies in prehistoric times, and the importance 

 of the research is shown, Professor Baird tells us, by the 

 following considerations : 



First. It is the first investigation of the life of the cave 

 age in the West Indies. 



Second. It gives the first reliable indication of the period 

 of submergence, and hence of separation of the West India 

 islands from the continent. 



Third. It furnishes the best evidence as to the antiquity 

 of man in the West Indies, and brings to light some very 

 peculiar forms of animal life not previously known. 



