wonderful people, who exhibited so many traits of
nobility of character in life. Perhaps it would not be liberal to say
the world would have been just as well off had they never existed. At
any rate, we are glad of the opportunity to study what their life was
and what it was worth to them, and also its influence on the life and
character of the Europeans.

The most marked phases of this civilization are found in the
development of basketry and pottery, and the exquisite work {202} in
stone implements. Every conceivable shape of the arrow-head, the
spear, the stone axe and hammer, the grinding board for grains, the
bow-and-arrow, is evidence of the skill in handiwork of these primitive
peoples. Also, the skill in curing and tanning hides for clothing, and
the methods of hunting and trapping game are evidences of great skill.
Perhaps, also, there is something in the primitive music of these
people which not only is worthy of study but has added something to the
music culture of more advanced peoples. At least, if pressed to learn
the real character of man, we must go to primitive peoples and
primitive life and customs.

SUBJECTS FOR FURTHER STUDY

1. What contributions did the American Indians make to European
civilization?

2. What are the chief physical and mental traits of the Indian?

3. What is the result of education of the Indian?

4. How many Indians are there in the United States? (_a_) Where are
they located? (_b_) How many children in school? Where?

5. If the Europeans made a better use of the territory than did the
Indians, had the Europeans the right to dispossess them? Did they use
the right means to gain possession?

6. Study an Indian tribe of your own selection regarding customs,
habits, government, religion, art, etc.

[1] Recent discoveries in Nevada and Utah indicate a wide territorial
extension of the Pueblo type.

{205}

_PART IV_

WESTERN CIVILIZATION

CHAPTER XII

THE OLD GREEK LIFE

_The Old Greek Life Was the Starting Point of Western
Civilization_.--Civilization is a continuous movement--hence there is a
gradual transition from the Oriental civilization to the Western. The
former finally merges into the latter. Although the line of
demarcation is not clearly drawn, some striking differences are
apparent when the two are placed in juxtaposition. Perhaps the most
evident contrast is observed in the gradual freedom of the mind from
the influenc