[Proceedings United States National Musexim, 1884. Appendix.] 

 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 



TTITITKr> STATES N".A.TI OlST ^L M! TJ S E! TJ 3M: , 



No. 28. 



DIRECTIONS FOR MOUND EXPLORATION. 

 By CTRI78 TBOITIAS, Ph. !>. 



The first step in all cases should be to make as accurate a plat or plan 

 of the entire group of works as possible, showing the positions of the 

 mounds, excavations, and other works in reference to each other. Ac- 

 curate measurements and distances should be given where this is pos- 

 sible ; where this is impracticable pacing may be resorted to. If there 

 are mounds differing in form from the ordinary conical tumuli it is best 

 to draw separate figures of these, showing the plan of the base and also 

 of the vertical section. The only measurements of the ordinary rounded 

 or conical mounds necessary are the height at the apex and the diameter 

 or circumference at the base. When they are pyramidal or of unusual 

 form the length and width should be given, or such measurements as 

 will convey a correct idea of the form and size. If truncated, the length 

 and width of the top as well as of the base should be noted, also the 

 height. Similar measurements should be made of all appendages and 

 terraces. It is best to draw on paper, from sight, a plan of the mound 

 or other earthwork and mark the measurements on it, being careful to 

 draw it as it is. A theoretical figure of its supposed original form may 

 be given separately, but it should be distinctly marked as such. 



The surroundings and the topography should be carefully noted; for 

 example, whether on upland or lowland, on bluff', ridge, or bottom ; 

 whether near to or distant from a stream; whether on the lower ter- 

 race, and whether subject to overflow. 



It is desirable to obtain as exact plans and measurements as possible 

 of the inclosures in the groups explored, as also of those which have 

 been heretofore described and figured. 



In digging a mound not exceeding 15 or 18 feet in height, the best 

 plan is to commence at the margin and run a trench (never less than 5 

 feet wide) directly through it, or at least beyond the middle, going 

 down to the original surface; then dig another trench from some other 

 quarter to the center, enlarging the opening in the center until a full 

 knowledge of the character of the mound and its contents is gained. 



[13 581 



