24 The Saginaw Valley Collection 



evidently intended for specialization; Fourth, a few of the latter 

 specialized by notching. Objects made of the same material are 

 only rarely found in the region, hence these were probably 

 brought from a distance. A cache, a few feet from the preced- 

 ing, consisted of one large, black, leaf-shaped implement, similar 

 to those of the last mentioned and surrounded, it is said, by 

 thirteen rubbed stones. 



The foregoing description contains but a general indication of 

 the archaeology of the Saginaw valley, as outlined by a single 

 collection. Those who care to pursue the inquiry further are re- 

 ferred to the more detailed descriptions published in the Ameri- 

 can Anthropologist, though even these are not supposed to ex- 

 haust the theme presented by this limited area alone. Thorough 

 explorations in the mounds, graves and village sites are neces- 

 sary to supplement what is now known from the surface evidence 

 and from the few explorations which have been made beneath 

 the surface. 



Of the archaeology of many other parts of Michigan still less is 

 known, and it is of the greatest importance that thorough work 

 should be done in several centres of culture, not only in the 

 Saginaw valley, but also in other parts of Michigan and in fact 

 throughout the Central States, in order to solve the enigmas that 

 have long puzzled the students of the early Americans. The 

 Mississippi and St. Lawrence valleys are rich in archaeological 

 material, but it is almost useless to indulge in speculations de- 

 rived from scattered bits of evidence from widely separated parts 

 of the country. The time has come when our studies must be 

 based upon exhaustive and detailed investigations made in a 

 scientific manner, at one place. These may then be compared 

 with the results of similar studies carried on at all other parts of 

 the region of which knowledge is desired and substantial prog- 

 ress will be made toward unraveling the history of the early 

 Indian tribes in this country. 



