Besides the description of the pottery traditions of Pueblo Indians, the author gives an interesting analysis of how the climate and natural environment have influenced the styles and methods of pottery. In addition, much attention is given to the use of clay formation in building houses. The historical development of ceramics in terms of shapes, patterns, and symbolism is also well presented in this work by Frank Hamilton Cushing. He ran the research especially for the Fourth annual report of the Bureau of American Ethnology in 1882–1883.