NOTICE 



The systematic exploration of the ancient remains of Wisconsin, of which the 

 present memoir by Mr. Lapham is the result, was undertaken and accomplished by 

 him on behalf of the American Antiquarian Society, from whose funds the neces- 

 sary expenses were provided. Beyond thesfe expenses Mr. Lapham desired and 

 received no other compensation than the scientific enjoyment which the prosecution 

 of the work itself afforded him. 



It happened that, while these explorations were in progress, contributions from 

 other persons relating to the earthworks of the same region were proffered to the 

 Smithsonian Institution, whose publications in that department of American 

 research already embraced the known antiquities of most other sections of the 

 United States. On that account it seemed desirable that the two institutions 

 should co-operate, and that the materials collected should be presented to the 

 world through the same channel, and in the same style of illustration. 



The suggestion was therefore made by the Smithsonian Institution to the Anti- 

 quarian Society, that, when Mr. Lapham's notes and drawings had been revised 

 and sanctioned by the latter, the care and cost of printing the report should be 

 assumed by the Institution. The proposition was readily acceded to, as better 

 subserving the interests of science, since it would enable the Society to employ its 

 funds in other researches. 



In conformity with this understanding, the memoir, after having been carefully 

 examined by a Committee of the Antiquarian Society, was submitted to the Smith- 

 sonian Institution, and accepted for publication. 



Owing to the great expense attendant upon the issue of a work containing so 

 many illustrations, the publication has been somewhat delayed. This has, how- 

 ever, allowed a number of important additions and corrections to be made — giving 

 to the work still greater value as an accurate and faithful record of the interesting 

 earthworks of Wisconsin, which are so soon to be obliterated by the march of 

 improvement. 



Smithsonian Iiistilitlion, June 1, 1865. 



Joseph Henry, 



Sccretart/ S. I. 



