Peale.] ^g^ [June. 



ties of broken fresh-water shells, evidently intended for use in 

 the composition of the ware. 



From the same place, other specimens have been taken, 

 which are ornamented with lines and curves cut roughly into 

 the clay whilst in a plastic state, possibly in imitation of the 

 more perfect and regular basket-work impressions, but very in- 

 ferior in symmetry and appearance. 



In the ornamentation of the pottery of the Delaware, a very 

 general preponderance of diagonal lines is observed, of which 

 Fig. 1, Plate IX, is an illustration. 



There is reason to believe that this style was prevalent in 

 the stone age throughout the world, and that it was employed 

 in man's first attempts at adornment ; it is much to be re- 

 gretted, that the examples within our reach are too few to 

 authorize the positive assertion, but the probabilities are in 

 favor of the supposition. It appears in many other specimens 

 in my collection, in the rude pottery of the ancient Irish, and 

 in the figures of vases or pots from the lacustrine dwellings 

 of the ancient Swiss. 



It has been demonstrated that the manufacture of pottery 

 accompanies the stone age, but it must also be admitted that 

 it was alwaj^s in an imperfect state or rude condition, made 

 without the use of the wheel, more or less imperfectly burned, 

 and never glazed. Notwithstanding these imperfections, it 

 was often well, if not beautifully formed. 



The art also characterizes most perfectly the highest condi- 

 tion of civilization and refinement in all ages ; it was, and is 

 in its elaborate and costly results, the most familiar illustra- 

 tion of taste in form, and perfection of art in material, decora- 

 tion, and execution. It is scarcely necessary to refer to the 

 porcelain of Sevres, in proof of these assertions for our day, 

 and generation, and for the classic daj^s of antiquity, to the 

 Etruscan vases and pattella of the tombs of Etruria,* and the 

 buried dwellings of Pompeii. 



I have now to solicit attention to the principal object of this 

 communication, and approach it with ideas to which it is difli- 

 cult to give suitable expression. 



* A fine specimen found on the estate of Lucien Bonaparte, at Yita- 

 sonia, and presented to the Society by Count Survilliers. It is orna- 

 mented with the " Meandre." 



