Page:Journal of American Folklore vol. 12.djvu/162

Cincinnati.—The following is a report of the meetings of this Branch for the year 1898–99:—

The work of the Cincinnati Branch of the American Folk-Lore Society was well sustained during the year. With "The North American Indians " for the general subject, much interest was developed in their importance as factors in the study of folk-lore.

Papers were read at each meeting, beginning in November with "The Origin of the Indian Races in America," by Dr. C. D. Crank, who spoke particularly of the significance of the different cranial deformations of the Flatheads and other Indians, and their bearing upon the question of the origin of the Indian races of this continent. Casts were shown, and drawings of the various ways adopted to accomplish the results.

At the December meeting, instead of the stated programme, which could not be carried out on account of the illness of the speaker of the evening, Professor Edwards read a delightful paper on "Impressionist Views of Mexico," in which he described a trip taken by him through that country.

In January Dr. J. D. Buck presented a scholarly paper on the subject of "The Algonkins,"—"the people who live across the water." He called attention to the fact that the ancient folk-lore of this nation must be studied in its modern survivals, and pointed out the similarity of the myths to those of the far East. To the already proposed theories of the origin of the American Indian myths—that of physical contact, and that of spontaneous sources—the doctor offered a third, an origin traced to re-birth, and suggested that it might be applied with advantage to the study of folk-lore. The argument, which was lucid and forcible, commanded the close attention of the audience.

In February, "Indian Art," demonstrated by pictographs, were ably presented by President Edwards. The Indian manner of keeping the calendar of important events by the drawing and coloring of figures on buffalo hides was graphically described, and attention was called to the historical value of such records. Charts of totem poles were also displayed. A paper on the "Classification of Indian Languages" was also read at this meeting, reference being made to the light which such study would throw on manner of thought, customs, etc.

At the meeting in March, Mrs. Josephine Woodward recounted her own experiences during her long residence on the "Plains," while her father was in charge of the reservation. These experiences and impressions were presented with much of the charm of both humor and pathos, and fully repaid the close attention of her large audience.

In April a symposium was held, with "Prehistoric Remains" as a topic. "Indian Burial Mounds," with the theories of scholars as to their origin and significance, brought out an interesting paper, full of suggestion as well as information, from Mrs. A. C. Woods. "Pottery and Weaving," with data from the reports of the Bureau of Ethnology, finished the study of the subject for the year.

The year closed with promise of continued interest, and a desire to further a deeper study of folk-lore.