IO FIELD AND FOREST. 



to find some utensils, ornaments or weapons, but none rewarded our 

 search. In all of the graves examined the bodies were found in simi- 

 lar positions and under similar circumstances in both arroyas, several 

 of the skeletons being children. Unfortunately most of the bones 

 were too fragile for preservation and crumbled in exposure to air, but 

 enough specimens were secured to richly repay our labor. One of 

 the crania, probably female, is asymmetrical and has been carefully des- 

 cribed by my friend Dr. E. Bessels, in one of Prof. Hayden's Bulle- 

 tins. No information could be obtained as to the probable age of 

 these interments, the present Indians considering them as dating from 

 the time when their ancestors with Moctezuma came from the north. 

 I have been unable to hear of any similar graves in New Mexico, but 

 trust that further explorations may enlighten us. In view of the fact 

 that Indians as a rule are not in the habit of burying their dead in 

 close proximity to their dwellings, these interments may be considered 

 as curious, and perhaps as having a special significance, for no physical 

 reasons existed which would have prevented the deposition of their 

 dead in many other places better suited in every way, moreover the 

 position of the bodies is to say the least remarkable. 



Of the manner of burial in vogue among the present Indians of 

 New Mexico with the exception of the Pueblos, little is known. The 

 Capote Utes and Jicarilla Apaches bury their dead either under piles 

 of rocks in the mountains or in caves, the Navajos probably of late 

 years, bury "American fashion," and the Pueblos have their regular 

 *" campos sanctos," or else bury in the floors of their churches. This 

 we oDserved at the Pueblo of San Ildefonso. I trust, however, ere 

 long to be in possession of facts regarding other methods of the 

 disposal of the dead among the New Mexican Indians hitherto unre- 

 corded. 



H. C. Yarrow. 



Sir Joseph Hooker, president of the Royal Gardens at Kew, Lieut. 

 Gen. Stearchy, Royal Geographical Society, with Prof. Asa Gray of 

 Harvard and Prof. Leidy of the University of Pennsylvania, accom- 

 pany Prof. F. V. Hayden, on a scientific exploration through Colo- 

 rado, after which they will proceed to Utah and California. 



