268 



gation requires that the means of sustaining life in that lowly condi- 

 tion should have due consideration. Implements for cultivation have 

 been found in situations, and of such forms, as to leave no doubt of 

 the object of their construction. On Depuy's Island, a beautiful al- 

 luvial deposit in the Delaware river, in a region popularly known as 

 the ^' Shawnee Flats," were found a number of circular discs of slate, 

 from 6 to 7 inches in diameter, and one quarter of an inch thick, 

 with notches on opposite sides, evidently designed for securing them 

 to handles of some, as yet unknown construction, but probably withes 

 of wood. The form of these specimens, and the locality on which 

 they were found, leave no hesitation in applying the terms above 

 designated. 



In addition, it may be stated that the chisels and axes, as they are 

 familiarly called, were in all probability frequently used for the tilling 

 and cultivation of corn and other food, in the intervals of peace, so 

 rarely permitted, and yet so essential in savage life, as it is in any 

 other condition of our race. 



Hammers were made by pecking a groove around pebbles of 

 various forms, most frequently ovoid, and attaching a handle by bend- 

 ino' around the groove a withe of wood. Over the whole was sewed 

 with filaments of tendon, " raw hide" in a green state, leaving only the 

 part to be used exposed, which, after becoming dry, held all firmly 

 together. This method of making a serviceable tool is not conjec- 

 tural; such implements are still in use among tribes of Indians now 

 existing, made exactly as described, and many of the stone heads 

 have been found of all sizes, from a few ounces in weight to many 

 pounds, assuming the semblance and efficiency of sledges or mauls 

 used by modern mechanics. We are credibly informed, that many 

 of the largest size have been found in excavations of aboriginal 

 origin, in the Lake Superior copper region, upon masses of the native 

 metal, bearing marks of their employment, in the ungrateful task of 

 detaching fragments for use or ornament. 



The rude tomahawk described in the first paragraph of this divi- 

 sion, gradually assumes a characteristic form, as has previously been 

 observed, by selection of suitable water-worn stones, and in a still 

 more advanced state by chipping, and ultimately by grinding with 

 whetstones into polished weapons of war, alike graceful in form and 

 neat in execution. It may be well to observe at this place, that 

 many of the best forms of tomahawk are somewhat concave on one 

 side, and correspondently convex on the other, whilst others are 

 symmetrical in this respect. The conclusion which may be drawn 



