XXX ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 



It therefore did not embrace any plan for archaeologic investi- 

 gations in the eastern portion of the United States, and 

 in particular did not contemplate researches relating to the 

 mounds ; but Congress having directed that such work should 

 be added to the functions of the Bureau, a limited amount of 

 work was accomplished in this field during the past year 

 The experience thus gained showed that a more thorough 

 systematization of the work was necessary. Early in the 

 year, therefore, a Division of Mound Explorations was organ- 

 ized, for a comprehensive examination of mounds and other 

 ancient works in the United States east of the Rocky Mount- 

 ains, and Prof. Cyrus Thomas, of Illinois, was appointed an 

 assistant in the Bureau in charge of the division. It is pro- 

 posed to make a thorough investigation of the mounds and 

 other works connected therewith, in their structure, contents, 

 and geographic distribution, with a view to determining the 

 purposes for which they were used, the grade of culture of 

 their authors, and the relations existing between the builders 

 and the tribes inhabiting the country on the advent of Euro- 

 pean civilization to this continent. 



From examinations made by the Director, years before the 

 inauguration of this work, it was apparent to him that a few, 

 at least, of the important mounds of the valley of the Missis- 

 sippi, had been constructed and used subsequent to the occu- 

 pation of this continent by Europeans, and that some, at least, 

 of the mound builders were therefore none other than known 

 Indian tribes. 



For the purpose of carrying on the work, Professor Thomas 

 was authorized to employ such field assistants as the means 

 allotted to this purpose would justify. The regular assistants 

 employed during the year were Dr. Edward Palmer, who had 

 been engaged for a number of years in this department of 

 work, Mr. P. W. Norris, and Mr. James D. Middleton Be- 

 sides these, Mr. L. H. Thing, Mr. John P. Rogan, Mr. F. S. 

 Earle, Mr. William McAdams, and Mr. John W. Emmert were 

 engaged for shorter periods as temporary assistants. 



Dr. Palmer's field of opei'ations was confined chiefly to West 

 Tennessee and Arkansas, though he devoted a short time on 



