66 BULLETIN OP THE 



by the bones of mammals and birds. Over all these lie the much 

 more modern village sites, very few of which are now occupied. 



The first layer might have been deposited in a thousand years. 

 There is no means of approximating to the age of the subsequent 

 layers. The Echinus layer contained few and very rude imple- 

 ments, and a gradual progression was noted in the variety and 

 finish of the articles found in the successive layers. Only toward 

 the last are there any signs of the use of houses, fire, or orna- 

 mental desigus. The character of the implements showed that 

 the early inhabitants used those of a pattern similar to the Eski- 

 mo, but that these gradually became difi'erentiated into a type 

 peculiar to the islands. Mr. Dall considered it probable that the 

 first inhabitants were Eskimo of a low type, forced for protection 

 from America into the islands, who in their restricted surround- 

 ings in the course of time developed into a special type without 

 entirely effacing the traits which link them to the Eskimo, by 

 language, physique, and fabrications. 



In reply to questions, he gave reasons for his supposition that 

 the inhabitants of the Aleutian Isles came from the East. 



Mr. Powell spoke of the khiva or underground apartment 

 found in the remains of dwellings from the Arctic regions, through 

 California and Colorado, and to the Gulf of Mexico, usually in 

 the centre of the building, regarding it as the common workroom 

 or assembly hall of the occupants.. 



Mr. Mason made remarks on the similarity of instruments and 

 implements found in Australia, North America, and the Aleutian 

 Isles, and the probability of there having been great changes in 

 the bed of the ocean between North America and Asia. 



Mr. Emil Bessels made a communication on 



THE HYQROMETRICAL CONDITION OF THE AIR IN HIGH LATITUDES, 



discussing observations made at Polaris Bay by the late polar 

 expedition under Capt. Hall. 



100th Meeting. February 12, 18t6. 



The President in the Chair. 

 Thirty-eight members and visitors present. 



