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particularly as evidenced by the recent discoveries of Mr. J. T. Goodman and Dr. Förstemann. All the recent evidence seems to indicate that "when the inscriptions were chiseled, the Mayan group was much more homogeneous, and the tribal distinctions far less marked than when the Spaniards arrived on the scene," a view previously advanced, on linguistic grounds, by Dr. D. G. Brinton. If this be true, "the inscriptions and codices will form a fixed basis for further research into the history of the Mayan tribes."

Araucanian. In the "Añales de la Universidad de Chile" for November, 1899 (pp. 1009–1030), Guevara continues his studies of the "Historia de la Civilizacion de la Araucanía," bringing the first part of his work to a close with chapter x. on "Military Art,—war preparations, implements of war, battle, war and battle customs, war-songs, treatment of prisoners, peace customs, physical constitution of the Indians, etc. According to the author, the Araucanians, in contrast to the partially industrial tribes, were essentially warlike. Arrows, lances, slings, clubs, etc., were used, and they built certain primitive forts. Soon after their early encounters with the Spaniards they seem to have modified their battle array in imitation of the Europeans, and from the latter (captives, fugitives, etc.) they early learned much concerning the use of firearms and the like. Their military art, indeed, seems to have undergone a second evolution, aided by the introduction of the horse. In honor of victory the dance called pruloncon, "head dance," was danced around a newly planted tree—on the branches of which the heads of the dead enemies were hung. Peace treaties were celebrated with certain formalities: orations on behalf of both parties, dances, etc.,—a drinking-bout generally following.—In the December issue (pp. 1265–1289), the author begins his second part with chapter i., "Descubrimiento de Arauco," treating of the pre-Columbian invasions of Chile by the Incas, the discovery of Chile by Almagro, Pedro de Valdivia and his exploits (a sketch of his life and a portrait is given), etc. The first Inca invasion of Chile is said to have taken place somewhere between 1430 and 1470 A.D., under the Inca Tupac Yupanqui, in an expedition lasting some six years. The various Peruvian invasions of Chile seem not to have been mere destructive forces, but, as was so often the case with Inca rule, helped to establish and improve the growing civilization of the country. Traces of this Peruvian influence are still discernible in the country of the Araucanians.

Guaicuru. To the "Mem. Soc. Geograf. Ital." (Roma), G. Boggiani contributes (vol. viii. 1899, pp. 244–294) a lengthy article on the Guaycurú or Guaicurú of the Chaco region of South America.