408 EEPORT UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 



probably from the Pacific coast. Large numbers of this and allied 

 shells are found about these ruins. They are generally pierced, and 

 were doubtless used as beads. 



Figure 8 represents a small carved figure found on the Bio Mancos. 

 It is made of hard gray slate. Its use or meaning cannot be determined. 



My conclusions in reference to the history of the ancient inhabitants 

 of this region, as drawn from my observations among the ruins, briefly 

 outlined, are as follows: 



The ancient peoples of the San Juan country were doubtless the an- 

 cestors of the present pueblo tribes of New Mexico and Arizona. A 

 comparison of the ancient with the modern architecture and a consider- 

 ation of the geographical relations of the ancient and modern pueblos 

 lead very decidedly to this conclusion. They have atone time or other 

 occupied a very extensive area which includes the greater part of the 

 drainage of the Eio Colorado. Their occupation of this region dates 

 back very many centuries, as attested by the extent of the remains and 

 their advanced state of decay. 



The final abandonment of the cliff and cave dwellings has occurred at 

 a comparatively recent date, certainly subsequent to the Spanish con- 

 quest. 



The lowland remains, the extensive pueblos and great towers, are 

 generally in a very much more advanced state of ruin than the cliff 

 defences. It is possible that the latter owe their construction to events 

 that immediately preceded the expulsion of the pueblo tribes from this 

 region. 



The cliff-builders were i)robably not greatly superior to the modern 

 pueblos in any of the arts, and I doubt if they could boast of a state of 

 civilization equally advanced. 



It should be remembered that up to this time no excavations what- 

 ever have been made among these ruins, and I feel as if more informa- 

 tion should be obtained before attempting to draw other than very 

 general conclusions. It seems to me probable that a rich reward awaits 

 the fortunate archaeologist who shall be able to thoroughly investigate 

 the historical records that lie buried in the masses of ruins, the unex- 

 l)lored caves, and the still mysterious burial-places of the Southwest. 



