TERTIO-MILLENNIAL ACQUISITIONS. 18 9> 
Von Cotta on rocks defines Chlorite-Schist and Potstone as a Schistose ag- 
gregate of Chlorite, usually combined with quartz, sometimes also with feldspar, 
mica and talc, of a greenish color and scaly appearance. Talc-Schist is chiefly 
Talc with some quartz and feldspar, and of a greasy feel. The so-called French 
chalk is massive steatite ; it is milk-white with a pearly lustre. The U. S. Geo- 
logical Reports contain nothing bearing upon steatite in New Mexico. 
Since the above was in type we have received the following note from Pro- 
fessor Otis T. Mason, of Columbian College, Washington, D. C, upon the same 
subject. — [Ed. Review. 
"The substance of which the ancient pot, of which you sent me a fragment, 
was made, is a coarse variety of steatite or soapstone, a mineral that does not 
crack in the fire. It is, therefore, the very best substitute for pottery. Indeed, 
for the aborigines it was much better, since they did not have the appliances for 
thoroughly baking their clay. The subject of the natural sources of the minerals 
used in aboriginal arts has been one of absorbing interest to many archaeologists, 
notably, Dr. George Fischer, of Freiburg, in Germany. At one time it was 
thought that all copper found in graves came from Lake Superior, all soapstone 
from Pennsylvania, and all mica from somewhere else. The settling of the coun- 
try and a better acquaintance with geology are constantly bringing to light new 
sources of supply. I think the occurrence of steatite in the locality mentioned 
in your note, Central New Mexico, is new." 
TERTIO-MILLENNIAL ACQUISITIONS. 
Major David J. Miller returned yesterday, June 7th, from a trip down the 
country to Albuquerque on official business and thence to Socorro in the interest 
of the Tertio-Millennial Association in quest of objects of value and interest for 
exhibition at the approaching great exposition in this city. He went at the in- 
stance of the committee on antiquities, of which he is secretary. The principal 
objects obtained and which we believe are to be exhibited under the auspices of 
the Historical Society of New Mexico, are the following : 
A fine oil-painting 6x4 feet, executed, it is supposed, during the time of San 
Carlos V, of Spain, sent it is said from Madrid to Mexico, and donated from 
Mexico to some one of the early churches in New Mexico, and now in the pos- 
session of Prof. Charles Longuemare, at Socorro. 
An ivory statue, in good preservation, representing the Virgin Mary with 
the infant Jesus, about seventeen inches high. From analogy and calculation, it 
is thought it was made about the twelfth century from tusks of animals of that 
period. 
An oil painting on elk skin, made in Mexico at least 200 years ago, 6x5 feet 
in size, representing the apparation of our Lady of Guadalupe, a principal char- 
acter in the Catholic Church. 
A fine oil-painting, the Adoration, 3)^x2^ feet, oval, in possession of the 
churches many years and well preserved. 
