XXXIV ANNUAL RKPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 



for general archseologic research in the United States, it was 

 thought best by the Director to prepare a system of symbols 

 to be used in the cartography of the subject. In the prepa- 

 ration of such a scheme, the symbols used in Europe were 

 examined, for the purpose of adopting the same where possi- 

 ble; but, on careful study of the subject, it was found that 

 the phenomena of the two continents differ so widely that 

 no European scheme could be utilized in North America. A 

 new scheme was therefore prepared, adapted to North Amer- 

 ica, and especially the United States, as above presented. 



It is believed that this scheme requires no general discussion 

 for its explanation. The mnemonic system embraced therein 

 is perhaps sufficiently obvious. 



As the work of investigation extends southward through 

 Mexico and Central America, it may be found necessary to add 

 somewhat to the above plan. 



EXPLORATIONS IN THE SOUTHWEST. 

 WORK OF MR. JAMES STEVENSON. 



Mr. James Stevenson, with the party committed to his 

 charge, started from Fort Wingate, N. Mex., early in August, 

 1882, with instructions to direct his work to an exploration 

 and study of that class of ancient remains in Arizona and New 

 Mexico commonly known as " cave and cliff dwellings." 



The field of his first investigations was the Canon de Chelly, 

 a branch of the San Juan Valley in Northeastern Arizona. 

 He noted carefully the various ruins he successively met, 

 while those of a more remarkable character which were acces- 

 sible were thoroughly examined, photographed, and described. 



Among these was the extensive ruin discovered by General 

 Simpson in 1848 and called by him "Casa Blanca." Of this, 

 the photographer of the party secured an excellent negative, 

 and 'an accurate survey was made for the purpose of pre- 

 paring a model. 



The party was unable to explore more than one of the 

 branches of this canon, but in this a remarkable and well pre- 

 served village was found which probably once was the home 



