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Show XXX AHXCAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR It therefore did not embrace any plan for archaeologic investigations in the eastern portion of the United States, and in particular did not contemplate researches relating to the mounds: but Congress having directed that such work should be added to the functions of the Bureau, a limited amount of work was accomplished in this field during the past year. The experience thus gained showed that a more thorough systematization of the work was necessary. Early in the year, therefore, a Division of Mound Explorations was organ-ized, for a comprehensive examination of mounds and other ancient works in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, and Prof. Cyrus Thomas, of Illinois, was appointed an assistant in the Bureau in charge of the division. It is proposed to make a thorough investigation of the mounds and other works connected therewith, in their structure, contents, and geographic distribution, with a view to determining the purposes for which they were used, the grade of culture of their authors, and the relations existing between the builders and the tribes inhabiting the country on the advent of European civilization to this continent. From examinations made by the Director, years before the inauguration of this work, it was apparent to him that a few, at least, of the important mounds of the valley of the Mississippi, had been constructed and used subsequent to the occupation of this continent by Europeans, and that some, at least, of the mound builders were therefore none other than known Indian tribes. For the purpose of carrying on the work, Professor Thomas was authorized to employ such field assistants as the means allotted to this purpose would justify. The regular assistants employed during the year were Dr. Edward Palmer, who had been engaged for a number of years in this department of work, Mr. P. W. Norris, and Mr. James D. Middleton Besides these, Mr. L. H. Thing, Mr. John P. Rogan, Mr. F. S. Earle, Mr. William McAdams, and Mr. John W. Emmert were engaged for shorter periods as temporary assistants. Dr. Palmer's field of operations was confined chiefly to West Tennessee and Arkansas,. though he devoted a short time on |