THE HAMILTON ASSOCIATION. 10g 
factured, the Indians seem to have lost their old-time skill in form- 
ing flint instruments. I am disposed to believe that several of 
the least skilfully shaped were produced more recently than is gen- 
erally supposed. ‘That rudeness in manufacture is no indication of 
antiquity has, I believe, already been asserted by others, both in 
Europe and on this continent. I feel inclined to endorse this opin- 
ion, while admitting I may have been influenced by a rather limited 
examination of the places where such things are obtainable. It is 
some satisfaction to learn that such an accomplished explorer as Dr. 
Boyle, a man of much experience in unearthing the burial places of 
the ancient inhabitants of this partof the Dominion, arrived at the 
same conclusion long since, viz.: That the Mound Builders 
of North America were not a distinct race, but merely the progenitors 
of the red men I already mentioned. The same view is enter- 
tained by Dr. Head, of Chicago, who, I am informed, possesses a 
very fine collection of antiquities from burial mounds and graves in 
the States. 
A recent number of the publication of the Canadian In- 
stitute; Toronto, contains a valuable contribution to our knowledge 
of Indian Archzelogical subjects. I refer to the paper contributed 
by Dr. Boyle. It is to be hoped it may be published yet in book 
form with the very accurate illustrations accompanying. 
The ornamental designs on many of the vases (baked clay) do 
not show that marked inferiority noticed in similar ones obtain- 
able from Celtic burrows or burial places in Europe. 
The Local Government of Ontario deserve much credit for the 
liberal annual grant to the Institute. The capital of the Prov- 
ince is entitled to what she receives, and while we willingly 
accord that and other things that might be urged, I think the 
Hamilton Association may also prefer a slight claim to some con- 
sideration from our Local Government. We cannot but regret that 
some of the most interesting Indian relics now gracing the cases of 
the Canadian Institute were transferred from Hamilton to Toronto. 
Such things latterly have risen considerably in value. Farm 
hands and boys are not slow to find out that good prices can now be 
obtained for many things they little valued a few years ago. A 
certain value is attached to-day to what could have been obtained at 
a trifling expense formerly. This in a great measure is owing to the 
Toronto Institute being enabled, through the Government grant, to 
