ADMINISTRATIVE REPOKT LI 



more clearly than exev before the authenticity and trustworthy 

 character of tlie codices. 



Work in eastern archeology — Professor '\A'. H. Holmes has 

 been fulh' occupied in the preparation of reports embodying 

 the results of his researches in the field and nmseum extend- 

 ing over several years. In seeking to discover the methods 

 employed in aboriginal manufacture lie has not been content 

 with inferences from the iorm, structure, and markings of the 

 art products, but has tested these inferences by repeating the 

 process and with his own hands manufacturing utensils and 

 implements in imitation of aboriginal objects, and in this way 

 he has in many eases obtained more exact kuowledg-e of the 

 methods employed than would lie possible by other means. 

 The general tendency of this study is toward simplification of 

 the processes represented in the products — e. g., he has shown 

 that pottery, formerly supposed to have been molded in bas- 

 kets or bags, was really wrought in much simpler fashion, the 

 markmgs supposed to indicate the texture of Ijaskets or bags 

 being produced by beating or pressing with simple sticks or 

 paddles wrapped y\'\\\\ cord, and he finds that this Ideating or 

 pressing greatly impro^'es the texture of the clay and was thus 

 a useful adjunct to pottery making. This discovery suggests 

 that the supposed ornamentation was really incidental rather 

 than primary in the minds of the potters. During the month 

 the Ijulletin by Professor Holmes on "An Aboriginal Quarry in 

 Indian Territory," with the requisite illustrations, was com- 

 pleted and transnfitted to the Public Printer. 



Early in the month intelligence came to this office to the 

 effect that an aboriginal S( )apstone quarry of remarkable extent 

 had been discovered at Clifton, \^irginia, and that the owners 

 of the quarry were willing to have the site examined and the 

 material found therein conveyed to the National Museum. 

 Mr William Dinwiddie was immediately dispatched to the 

 localitA', under the direction of the Ethnologist in Charge and, 

 being impressed with the promise of a rich reward in relics of 

 the soapstone implement makers, promptly made an arrange- 

 ment with the owners, Messrs Hunter Brothers, for detailed 

 examination and for the removal of specimens. The contract 



