502 THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. [Vor. XXXV. 
somewhat more sedentary life is necessary, and we find the finest 
ware among the tribes having permanent settlements. That is, 
along the Atlantic coast fictile ware was crude and inartistic; in the 
Mississippi Valley and the Southwest it was of a superior quality. 
The art of weaving had been developed by many tribes before the 
Discovery, and a variety of costumes were worn. "These are described 
in some detail, as well as the loom of the Navajos, who are now 
among the most successful aboriginal weavers. In carving, model- 
ing, and sculpture the Mayas had accomplished results of no mean 
order. The author also has a word of praise for the carving of the 
Haidas of the northwest coast. He concludes that all was below 
the early achievements of the Egyptians. A very good description 
is given of the Amerindian dwellings and architecture. The range is 
very wide, from the simple brush shelter of the Pai Utes to the mag- 
nificent stone structures of Yucatan. The detailed description of the 
shelters and other structures shows the influence of environment 
upon this art. 
All Amerinds were, in the stone age of culture, using also bone 
and wood for weapons. Copper was used but sparingly ; bronze was 
known in Mexico, but not extensively used. Gold and silver were 
used for ornaments, especially in the South. The most important 
weapon was the bow and arrow ; this is described at length, also the 
apparatus used in kindling fire. Domestic animals were wanting, 
and transportation by means of them impossible. Boats, however, 
were extensively used, and these are described. Other chapters are 
devoted to * Mining, Metallurgy, and Science" ; * Musical Instru- 
ments, Music, Amusements, and Games”; * Works and Agricul- 
ture"; “Customs and Ceremonies 7"; “Myths, Traditions, and 
Legends ” ; “ Organization and Government ” ; * Origin, Migrations, 
and History.” Mr, Dellenbaugh believes that the tribes of the 
Northwest migrated there from the South and Southeast and not 
from the Asiatic direction. The earliest inhabitants of the New 
World came when there was a greater continuity of land surfaces 
than exists to-day and before there had been sufficient development 
of culture to indicate their relationships. The key to the Amerindian 
culture is the distribution of the glaciers. The earliest tribes came 
when the northern climate was mild ; then, as the relations of land 
and water areas changed and the cold increased in the North, they 
were thrown more together and the groups that had begun to form 
reacted upon each other, tending again toward uniformity of type. 
The highest civilizations of the New World were developed at the 
is 
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