FIGURES MODELED IN CLAY SHOWING CLOSE ANALOGIES WITH THE WORK IN GOLD. FIG. 22. Grotesque anthropomorphic figures, used in a stool like object of clay. WORK IN MOUND EXPLORATION OF THE BUREAU OF ETHNOLOGY. BY CYRUS THOMAS. It seems desirable at the present time to make a statement explain. ing the plans and describing the work of the mound exploring division of the Bureau of Ethnology, especially in view of the fact that neither the plans nor the results of this work seem to be clearly understood by all who are interested in the study of American archæology. It was scarcely expected that a clear apprehension of these plans and the work would be gained in advance of the publication of a full report of the same; but, since such a report is well advanced towards completion and since the collections thus far made have been turned over to the National Museum, where they are open to the public, a brief preliminary statement of the plan being pursued and the work thus far accomplished seems appropriate now. In undertaking the exploration of the mounds of our country upon an extensive scale, the operations should be carried on according to some definite plan. Three only seemed worthy of consideration, viz: First. That which may be termed the systematic plan, which contemplates a comprehensive and accurate survey of all the ancient works of the country and the preparation of maps and illustrations showing their location and character, to be followed by thorough explorations and investigations of these monuments. Second. That which may be termed the local plan, which commences with a limited locality and confines operations to it until all the ancient works in it are thoroughly examined, figured, mapped, and described in detail and the collections obtained there are studied; then moving to another section. Third. The comprehensive plan, or plan of general study, in which the chief objects are to search for and study the various forms and types of the works and minor vestiges of art and to mark out the different archaeological districts as disclosed by investigation. This plau permits the carrying on of operations at various points simultaneously or removal from place to place as the types and forms of a section are satisfactorily determined. In any one of these plans the work which has been and is being done by others should be taken into consideration so far as deemed trustworthy, especially in connection with the third plan. 3 |