358 EEPOET OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1901.- 



These facts have been known for some time, and a bill for the pres- 

 ervation of ancient ruins has been before Congress several terms, but 

 the bill has not been enacted into law. Indirectly, however, Congress 

 has worked for the preservation of the ruins by reservations of public 

 domain, and in a notable instance has preserved the famous ruin called 

 Casa Grande. 



In this connection the Interior Department has done yeoman service 

 in hindering, if not preventing, further despoiling of the ruins on gov- 

 ernmental lands by instructions to its agents and by sending inspectors 

 into the field for the purpose of warning offenders. 



That there was a sentiment among some of the people of the South- 

 west in fayor of the preservation of the ruins is shown by sundry 

 actions taken by legislative bodies and the formation of societies with 

 such end in view. The legislature of Arizona took action some years 

 ago without apparent success. The Arizona Antiquarian Society 

 founded through the efforts of the late Dr. Joshua Miller, of Prescott, 

 endeavors to preserve and to prevent the despoiling of sites of anti- 

 quarian interest in the Territory. In New Mexico also the subject is 

 receiving considerable attention. 



SUMMARY OF WORK. 



During the season over 55 ruins were visited, and 18 of these were 

 excavated in a region nearly 200 miles north and south by 70 miles 

 east and west. Some idea of the difficulties encountered, aside from 

 800 miles of wagon travel, may be gathered when it is known that five 

 of the groups required dry camps, water being hauled considerable 

 distances. The work, however, was quite successful, 2,500 specimens 

 having been collected. In connection with this work, ethnological 

 photographs, data, and specimens were secured from the Apache, 

 Navaho, and Hopi Indians. 



