John P. Staeck wrote:
>
> Bottom line, if you want to treasure hunt do it in archaeology - record the
> information and do a good job so that we can all profit in the experience.
> We can debate the disposition of material remains another time, but at
> least record the info no matter what any court decides - no?
>
 
Yes, yes, yes.  It is, after all, what you find out, not what you find.
An interesting artifact, once removed from it's context, becomes
worthless as a source of information.  Let them keep the cool stuff if
they want, just let it be archaeologically excavated and documented.  I
personally don't care to have public monies spent on a well documented
19th century wreck, but if the "treasure hunters" want the stuff, have
them pay to have it done right.
 
Steve Boxley, MN.
The Virginia Foundation for Archaeological Research
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