24 PREFACE. 



most important fact in I'elation to this part of tlie collection is, tbat it 

 so supplements other collections that the archeologist is enabled to 

 trace the evolution of the comparatively modern and historic form from 

 the "Monitor," or supposed earliest mound pipe. Moreover the record 

 of localities whence the pipes have been taken may indicate the geo- 

 ^^raphical line of this evolution. 



A number of copper articles, including nearly all the types hitherto 

 kuowu, are in the collection. In addition to these, among the new 

 forms are specimens of two new types decidedly the most important 

 yet discovered. These were obtained from both mounds and stone 

 graves. 



The collection of engraved shells obtained from mounds probably 

 exceeds any other in the country in number, variety, and importance. 



The (specimens of textile fabrics and remnants of matting, though 

 not numerous, are important and valuable. Among these is a large 

 and well-preserved specimen of each class found in a cave deposit 

 where the burial could not have taken place more than a hundred 

 years ago ; yet they are of precisely the pattern and stitch found in tlie 

 mounds and impressed on tyi^ical mound pottery. With the cloth and 

 matting were also the bone implements used in weaving the former. 



The collection of chipped flint implements, stone axes, discoidal 

 stones, gorgets, etc., is large. Among the stone articles are parts of 

 three well-made stone images which must have been nearly one-half 

 life size. Bone implements, shell, etc., are in fair proportion. 



As it was important that the explorations should be carried on dur- 

 ing the winter as well as the summer, it was found advantageous to 

 work in the uoithern sections iu the summer and move southward as 

 tlie cold advanced. Each assistant at the close of the working year 

 made a report of his operations during that time. These reports would 

 have been incorporated as furnished, but, as in most cases they related 

 to different sections investigated during the same j'ear, this would 

 have prevented a systematic presentation of results, and hence the idea 

 Avas abandoned, and the data obtained have been arranged geograph- 

 ically by states and counties. This method, however, is subject to the 

 objection that county lines are liable to frequent changes and seldom 

 correspond with the natural lines which influenced primitive settle- 

 ment. Xotwith.standing this objection, the fact that these political 

 divisions afford the only means of defining localities on the maps of the 

 present day has governed iu selecting the method for this report. 



Mounds are frequently deseril)ed and illustrations introduced which 

 are seemingly unimportant. The object of this will be apparent to every 

 archeologist, for seemingly unimportant works afford the student a 

 means of comparison and furnish him with valuable negative evidence 

 wliicli otherwise would not be available, iloreover, in the preparation 

 of the report, I have proceeded upon the theory that no fact should be 



