XXXVI BOREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY 
up natural-history studies, traversed many sections of the 
Middle West and South, observing, studying, and collect- 
ing. It was thus, no doubt, that he acquired a decided 
bent for exploration, but it was probably his experience 
as an officer in the civil war that developed the masterly 
qualities which made him a leader among men and an 
organizer in the realm of science. 
At the close of the war, declining political preferment, 
he resumed his scientific studies and engaged in teaching 
and in lecturing on geology. During his connection with 
Wesleyan University and the Illinois State Normal Uni- 
versity he conducted classes in the field, and thus became 
more fully a devotee of research. In 1867 he found his 
way to the Far West, where later he reached the climax 
of his career as an explorer in his memorable voyage down 
the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. This expedition 
brought into play his splendid courage and commanding 
abilities, and the story of his adventures is fraught with 
deep and romantic interest. On these journeys of explo- 
ration contact with the native tribes gave him an interest 
in ethnology, and thenceforth for many years his energies 
were divided almost equally between the sciences of 
geology and anthropology. 
Major Powell’s mind was so broadened and strengthened 
by the varied experiences of his early career that when he 
was called upon to enter the service of the nation as 
explorer, geologist, geographer, and ethnologist he natu- 
rally assumed the role of organizer. He gathered about 
him the best available men in the various departments of 
science, assigning them to the fields for which their abili- 
ties particularly fitted them; but at all times he was the 
master spirit, compassing with clear vision the widest 
horizon, and easily pointing the way to even the ablest. 
His vigorous methods were an inspiration and his large- 
mindedness and generosity made a deep impression on 
scores of students, who recognized the potent influence 
exerted by the master. 
As Director of the Geological Survey Major Powell 
