ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT. I.IX 



nuusual development of the primitive ooiieepts concerning tlie 

 relations of things, yet one which is thoroughly characteristic 

 of the Indian's character, as well as with the prescriptorial 

 culture-stage. Moreover, the Zuni myths are of exceptional 

 interest in that thev relate to the preservation and cultivation — 

 indeed to the artificialization — of maize, one of the most useful 

 food plants of the earth. There are indeed certain stages in the 

 history of the artificialization of this grain plant which can not 

 be inter]:)reted save through the traditions and myths of this 

 and other tribes. 



In his memoir accompanying this report, Mr Cushing sets 

 forth a part of the interesting and suggestive cosmogony of 

 the Zuni, so nearly as possible in its aboriginal form. Mr 

 Cushing has had the advantage of long life with the tribe, into 

 which indeed he was formally adopted; he has the advantage, 

 also, of peculiar aptitude in entering into the cumbrous system 

 of prescriptorial expression, and is thus able to appreciate the 

 aboriginal concepts in unusual degree. For these reasons his 

 rendering of tlie Zuni creation myths is regarded as notably 

 accurate and trustworthy. 



The memoir is introduced by a sketch of Zuni history, and 

 by a brief exposition of the mythology of this interesting- 

 tribe. This introduction may be commended to readers of the 

 report as a faithful picture of the Zufii tribe in the light of 

 history and ethnology combined. 



