LIV BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY 
Distributed with fair uniformity over a practically continu- 
ous coast, the Alaskan Eskimo illustrate the social structure and 
relations of the social groups of which the stock is composed. 
These groups correspond in all essential respects to the tribes 
of other aboriginal stocks, save that the tribal distinctions are 
less conspicuous; each is characterized by a distinct dialect 
whose special features are apparently emphasized by purposive 
intonation and other devices; each has a distinct, albeit perhaps 
indefinite, organization and governmental personnel; in many 
cases there are consistent distinctions in dress, decoration, and 
industrial devices; and the groups intermarry among each other, 
but avoid union with alien tribes. It is noteworthy that cer- 
tain physical distinctions appear to accompany these demotic 
distinctions in some instances; yet it is hardly less significant 
that the somatic distinctions are inconstant and only partially 
consistent with the demotic distinctions. 
One of the most important facts developed by the work is 
the existence of a regular gentile organization, with corre- 
sponding totems, among the Alaskan Eskimo north of Kusko- 
kwim river. As usual among the American aborigines, the 
totems are zoic, including the wolf, otter, ermine, gerfalcon, 
raven, bear, etc. The totems are represented by symbols on 
implements and utensils, by marks on clothing, and, at least 
in some cases, by tattoomg. Unfortunately, the concomitant 
social structure was for the most part concealed beyond reach 
of any inquiries the author was able to make. The discovery 
of the totems and of their connection with a definite kinship 
system is especially noteworthy as practically the first of the 
kind; hitherto observers among the western Eskimo have 
apparently failed to penetrate the well-concealed and probably 
decadent social foundation, while it would appear that among 
the eastern Eskimo the primitive features are so far masked 
by more advanced or cultural features as to elude detection. 
Inpian Lanp CEssions 
When the Bureau was instituted in 1879, it was deemed 
desirable to investigate the subject of aboriginal land tenure, 
and, partly as a means to this end, partly because of the 
