Archaeology: The early history of American Indians includes a
large collection of American archaeology. Ayer’s interest led
him to acquire not merely all available printed works, but also
in several instances the manuscript field notes and drawings on
which these publications are based. Several noteworthy
collections include the following: manuscripts and drawings of
Count Jean Frederic Maximilien Waldeck; sketches by W.H. Holmes
of Mexican sites; E.H. Thompson’s drawings of Xkichmook; and a
large group of facsimile Mayan and Mexican codices. Ethnology:
Mr. Ayer’s interest in the ethnology of American Indians was
similarly expansive. He acquired all of the available printed
material, a great number of manuscript sources, and an enormous
number of drawings. Among the manuscripts, particular mention
should be made of John Howard Payne papers relating to the
Cherokee Indians. Art: Notable among the visual representations
of American Indians within the Ayer collection are 1,200 red-
chalk drawings of western and s