ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT XXXV 



before observation began, so that it became necessary, as kn< >wl- 

 eclae gradually increased, to sift the statements and winnow 

 the chaff of the acquired from the harvest of the aboriginal ; and 

 to this end it was soon found advantageous to check even 

 the earliest observations on the industries of the Indians by 

 comparing the implements and weapons found in use with those 

 obtainable from demonstrably prehistoric accumulations. 



Partly to check observation in this way,. and thus to obtain 

 accurate information concerning the aboriginal arts of welfare 

 and pleasure, partly because of the inherent interest of the 

 subject, archeologic researches have been carried forward in 

 different parts of the country. In each district special atten- 

 tion has been given to the characteristic relics constituting 

 records of the prehistoric past; in eastern United States scat- 

 tered implements and utensils have been studied, aboriginal 

 quarries have been examined, house remains have been inves- 

 tigated, and village sites have been surveyed; in the interior 

 the characteristic mounds and earthworks have received special 

 attention, and in western United States ancient pueblos, cliff 

 houses, cavate lodges, and other relics of the aboriginal inhab- 

 itants have been surveyed, and their features reproduced in 

 description and illustration. 



During the last year archeologic researches were actively 

 continued by Professor W. H. Holmes, with several collabora- 

 tors and assistants, in different eastern states and in the interior. 

 The work in eastern United States has been notably rich in 

 results of scientific A-alue. Professor Holmes examined in 

 detail the novaculite quarries of Arkansas, the pipestone quar- 

 ries of Minnesota, and the ancient copper mines of Isle Royale, 

 Michigan. He also made important studies at various points 

 in the valleys of Potomac, Genesee, and Ohio rivers, and his 

 surveys and examinations in Delaware valley, particularly 

 about Trenton, were especially extended. At the last-named 

 locality advantage was taken of the excavation of a broad and 

 deep trench parallel with the river front at Trenton to study 

 carefully the late glacial gravels commonly supposed to yield 

 human relics. For a period of six weeks the excellent expos- 

 ures made in this trench, 25 to 35 feet deep, were constantly 



