INTRODUCTION 



The reception accorded the archeologic bulletins already issued 

 is most gratifying to all concerned. Since their inception there 

 have been bought and placed on exhibition in the corridors of the 

 state capitol and in the state library several collections,, including 

 articles of much more than a commercial value gathered in 

 their respective fields by enthusiasts in local work. They will be 

 sought and studied by m.any interested in early New York history. 

 Besides those which are the results of field work, the state is fortu- 

 nate in its collection of Indian silver brooches, and of the grotesque 

 wooden masks, still used by the Iroquois yet living among us. It 

 is yet more fortunate in having the University appointed keeper of 

 the wampums for the Six Nations of New York. In this way only 

 was it possible to obtain and to save from swift destruction the 

 unique wampum belts now on exhibition, the widest on record. 



It was greatly desired that the Rev. W: M. Beauchamp who pre- 

 pared the present and the preceding bulletins, should give his whole 

 time to the preparation of others while there was opportunity, but 

 the moderate means proAaded allowed but moderate work, and there 

 must be a waiting for results which might be secured now. Three 

 important subjects, however, have been covered in this preliminary' 

 way. Should the series be carried on as hoped, there will come 

 one interruption not unwelcome to many, in preparing an archeo- 

 logic map of New York, which it has been decided shall constitute 

 the next bulletin. The regular bulletin size will admit less detail 

 than is desirable. Some of the 60 counties have scores of sites, 

 earthworks, hamlets and camps; but not much can be said on each 

 of these for lack of room. Other counties, however, have little 

 of interest, allowing more space. The many plans of forts which 

 have been secured, will probably be made a separate subject. While 

 Dr Beauchamp has a large amount of material ready for this work, 

 he desires the fullest that may be procured, and will be grateful, in 

 the interests of science and the state, for any information fromi any 

 source. This should be sent as soon as may be convenient, ad- 

 dressed Rev. W: M. Beauchamp, Baldwinsville, N. Y. What is 

 not directly used now will be reserved for future needs. 



Melvil Dewey 



Secretary of the University 



