314 
ANNALS NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 
acteristics, even though these involve the ostensible conditions of member¬ 
ship, but that it is necessary to isolate well-marked single features and to 
study their diffusion and the various combinations into which they enter. 
Mr. Frachtenberg stated that the Coos Indians of northwestern Oregon 
form an independent linguistic stock. Their language may be subdivided 
into two distinct dialects, called Hants and Mt'luk. The Mt'luk dialect is 
extinct, while Hants is still spoken by about thirty individuals living between 
Acme and Florence, in Lane County, Oregon. The long intercourse be¬ 
tween the Coos Indians and the white settlers has effected a total assimilation 
of the “Red Man.” To such an extent is this that the Coos show no traces 
whatever of the ancient Indian mode of life. There are, however, a few 
individuals who still remember phases of that life. The information ob¬ 
tained from these individuals tends to show that the ancient Coos customs 
varied little from those of the other tribes of the Pacific coast. The most 
important differences may be summed up as follows: The Coos were a 
peaceful tribe, seldom resorting to war, and never practised scalping. Flat¬ 
tening of heads was unknown among them, as was likewise tattooing. 
Their implements and utensils show an absolute lack of decorative art, and 
their festivals were devoid of any ceremonial significance. 
The Section then adjourned. 
R. S. Woodworth, 
Secretary. 
BUSINESS MEETING. 
November 1, 1909. 
The Academy met at 8:15 P. M. at the American Museum of Natural 
History, Vice-President Stevenson presiding in the absence of President Cox. 
In the absence of the Recording Secretary, Dr. Charles P. Berkey was 
elected Secretary pro tern. 
No business being presented, the meeting, by the request of the President 
and Recording Secretary, was adjourned to S November. 
Charles P. Berkey, 
Secretary pro tern. 
SECTION OF GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY. 
November 1, 1909. 
Section met at 8:15 p. m., Vice-President Stevenson presiding. 
The minutes of the last meeting of the Section were read and approved. 
