Wright.] 
448 
[Jan. 1, 
Oberlin , 0., Dec. 25, 1889. 
Prof. G. F. Wright. 
Dear Sir : 
A careful examination of the Nampa image, and experiments 
made upon clay taken from tlie same well, lead me to the con- 
clusion that the image must be of considerable age. I cannot 
account for the accumulation of the oxide of iron upon the grains 
of sand, tying between the body of the image and its arms, except 
by supposing it to have been the result of the slow decomposition 
of substances containing iron, in its immediate vicinity. Although 
I have been able to reproduce the color of this oxide tolerably 
well by heating clay coated with a solution of iron chloride, yet 
I have not been able to reproduce it by simply heating clay to dif- 
ferent degrees of temperature. 
Yours truly, 
F. F. Jewett. 
In conclusion I would say that the direct evidence in the case 
seems to be of as high order as could well be obtained. The char- 
acter of Mr. Kurtz and of Mr. Duffes is amply vouched for, not 
only by Mr. Gumming, but by other parties whom I have met who 
personalty know them. The whole appearance of Mr. Kurtz’s let- 
ters show him to be a genuine man. There was no sensational 
publication in the papers, nor has there been any suggestion of 
mercenary motives. There were no archaeologists or scientific 
men on the ground to be humbugged. Apparently the image would 
have disappeared and dropped out of notice but for the fortunate 
chance which brought it to the attention of Mr. Adams, when his 
own mind was interested in that class of subjects. The evidence 
is most direct as to the impossibility of the image’s having fallen 
into the well from the surface, or of its having been put in by de- 
sign. 
Professor A. A. Wright’s examination, it is true, is not of itself 
conclusive as to age, but there is nothing in it bearing indubitably 
against its age ; while the similarity of the material composing the 
image and that composing the clay balls, seem to me strongly con- 
firmatory of the genuineness. I also attach much weight to Pro- 
fessor Jewett’s opinion as to the character of the iron oxide upon 
the original image. It seems in the highest degree improbable 
that anyone should have manufactured such an object on the spot, 
and have been so successful in meeting all the conditions present. I 
