EEPOET OF THE SECRETARY. 43 



The most extended exploratory work of the year was that of an expedition through 

 the country of the Papago and Seri Indians of Arizona and Sonora (Mexico), con- 

 ducted by Mr. McGee. The expedition was fitted out in Tucson about the middle 

 of October. Mr. William Dinwiddie accompanied the expedition as photographer, 

 and the party included also a Papago Indian interpreter and from time to time Indian 

 or Mexican guides and interpreters. Leaving Tucson, the party proceeded to and 

 through San Luis Valley and temporarily crossed the frontier at Sasabe to the 

 Papago Indian village of Poso Verde. Here the leader and interpreter remained sev- 

 eral days, collecting information concerning the distribution of the Papago villages 

 and rancherias, while Mr. Dinwiddie was sent back to Tucson to make necessary 

 changes in outfit. A few days later the party reassembled at Arivaca, Ariz., where 

 surveys were made of extended prehistoric works. Thence the expedition moved 

 to the frontier at Nogales, where after some delay authority for extending the opera- 

 tions on Mexican soil was courteously accorded, in response to representations made 

 through the local officials to the federal officers of the Republic of Mexico. Leaving 

 Nogales, the party proceeded southward, visiting several villages formerly occupied 

 by Papago Indians but now abandoned, and finding rancherias occupied by repre- 

 sentatives of the tribe at various points. 



The rancherias near Querobabi were found especially interesting, and a number 

 of valuable photographs were taken. While a primary purpose of the expedition 

 was the collection of objective material for preservation in the United States 

 National Museum, little such material was collected during this part of the trip, 

 (1) because of the desire to comply with the spirit of the Mexican law relating to 

 the removal of antiquities, and (2) because of the difficulty of transporting objects 

 over many hundred miles of frequently trackless territory. Other Papago ran- 

 cherias were found as far southward as Hermosillo, and information was obtained 

 concerning settlements midway between that city and Guaymas. During the jour- 

 ney from Tucson to Hermosillo the eastern and southern limits of the Papago ter- 

 ritory were determined, many of the characteristics of the tribe were ascertained, 

 and their arts were studied in such manner as to facilitate subsequent collection of 

 typical objects. 



After two or three days' delay in Hermosillo, due to the difficulty of obtaining 

 authority to enter the territory of the warlike Seri Indians, the expedition proceeded 

 toward the coast adjacent to Tiburon Island. During this part of the trip the expe- 

 dition had the pleasure and advantage of the company of Senor Pascual Encinas, an 

 aged Mexican, formerly of great energy and courage, who had done much to extend 

 white settlement into the Seri country, and whose services in this direction have 

 received abundant recognition on the part of the State and the Republic. Piloted 

 by Senor Encinas and Senor Alvemar-Leon, the expedition entered the borders of 

 the Seri territory and was so fortunate as to find a temporary rancheria occupied by 

 some sixty individuals of the tribe. During the ensuing week their habits and cus- 

 toms were studied, a part of their vocabulary was recorded, and a number of indi- 

 vidual and group photographs were made. In addition typical articles of costumery, 

 weapons, utensils, etc., were collected and some information was gained concerning 

 the ethnic characteristics of the tribe. The Indians were found quite primitive, 

 probably more primitive and savage than any other tribe remaining on the North 

 American continent. Most of their food is eaten raw, they have no domestic animals 

 save dogs, they are totally without agriculture, and their industrial arts are few 

 and rude. By reason of their warlike character, little has hitherto been known con- 

 cerning the tribe ; the photographs made by the expedition are the first known to 

 have been made of the Seri Indians. 



Returning to Hermosillo early in November, the party set out on the return 

 journey, so shaping the course as to determine the southwestern limits of Papago 

 occupancy. Interesting Papago rancherias were found at Poso Noriago and at 

 Cienega, and in both localities photographs and a few small objects of special 

 interest were obtained. Between these points several prehistoric ruins Avere dis- 



