1895] MARYLAND ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 231 



this class of crania. Close resemblance in characteristics are 

 found between these skulls and those of the Toltec stock, the 

 same irregularity of form, the parietal walls not corresponding, 

 and the general shape quadrangular. These peculiarities they 

 possess in common with the Inca Peruvians and ancient Mexi- 

 cans, totally differing, it will be remembered, from the ancient 

 Peruvians. Both Dr. Jones, in work referred to, and Dr. 

 Morton in "Crania Americana," as:ree in acknowledirinsr the 

 resemblance. 



Many relics of personal adornment have been recovered from 

 the cists of both mounds and burying sites. Amongst them the 

 carved sea shells are perhaps the most finely finished, they show 

 taste and skill as well as great variety of design — the incised 

 lines are made with precision and bear relation to the general 

 design — the work upon these gorgets is, of course, often rude, 

 but never haphazard. 



In addition to designs which are probably symbolic, are some 

 representing birds, serpents, spiders, and the human countenance, 

 a few human figures, and many of the swastika. Much of 

 this class of work has been described with care and great interest 

 by W. H. Holmes in "Art in Shell of the Ancient Americans," 

 published in Reports of Ethnological Bureau of the United 

 States. 



The constant repetition of the swastika in the incised and 

 open work is well worth the study given by Prof. AVilson of 

 the Smithsonian, through whose kindness I was shown the most 

 finely finished gorget I have ever seen. It was taken from a 

 stone grave in a Tennessee mound and represents a seated figure 

 with feet upon the same level, turned in. The first glance at 

 this singular piece of incised drawing, made with steady hand 

 and definite purpose to its accomplishment, recalls the represen- 

 tations of Buddha found in such numbers in bas-reliefs and 

 statues in the rock-cut temples of India. Associated with the 

 figure (cut upon the shell as with the stone images) is the pro- 

 fuse use of the swastika. 



