178 AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST [n. s., i. 1899
tions of the North American tribes appears prominently in this chapter. The theory of an Asiatic derivation is favored, and the general trend of the evidence is held to indicate that " the place of dispersion was in the northwest, and that the course of migration has been south and south- east" (page 162).
The Pacific division is reviewed under several headings — California section, Intermontane section, Gila Valley and Chihuahuan section, Mexican section, Southern Mexican section, and Central American section. This field is in general effectively presented, considering the aggravating lack of reliable data, while the discussion of certain features of Central American remains and culture, to which Professor Thomas has given long and careful attention, has special interest and value. The origin of the peoples he traces generally toward the north, and although suspecting intrusion of foreign elements of culture, discusses the archeologic remains from the autogenous point of view, striving with the usual lack of success to account fully for all the remarkable conditions and extraordinary phases of culture development.
In the final chapter the author presents some general considerations regarding migrations in prehistoric times. Assuming that the move- ment of the peoples was largely from the north toward the south, he discusses the modifications of culture brought about as temperate climes were reached and the reaction of the progress made on the northern areas. For the South American peoples and antiquities he is not able to find a satisfactory origin, as there appear to be no especially well-defined relationships with those of the North American continent.
Within the field considered, this work by Professor Thomas is far more satisfactory than anything yet written, and it must contribute not a little toward building up the science of archeology in America. It will serve admirably the purpose for which it is presented, and at the same time will form a stepping stone by means of which some other student, utilizing the fuller data of his day, may climb to higher levels.
VV. H. Holmes.
Cuba and Porto Rico with the Other Islands of the West Indies. Their Topography, Climate, Flora, Products, Industries, Cities, People, Political Conditions, etc. By Robert T. Hill of the United States Geological Survey. New York : The Century Company. 1898. 8°, xxviii, 429 pp., 2 maps, 79 pis.
Although the work of a geologist, several chapters of this notable volume contain matter of interest to anthropologists. The material is derived largely from personal notes of a trained observer during pro- tracted visits to several of the islands in the course of the last five years, these notes being enriched and supplemented by critical study of
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