56 



Cincinnati Society of J^attiral History. 



quite likely that this fragment may have fallen unnoticed from the 

 surface during the excavation. Some fragments and handles of an un- 

 usuall}' large vessel were taken from this pit, and the bottom was 

 found to be covered with nearly half a bushel of unio shells. 



A summary for the week ending May 10, shows fifteen ash pits ex- 

 plored, eleven skeletons exhumed, two vessels, and many bone, flint 

 and stone implements found. 



Tuesday, Ma}- 13, an ash pit was opened, from which was taken a 

 harpoon or fish spear, made of elk horn, and several fine bone 

 relics; four skeletons very much decayed were also found, and two rolls 

 of sheet copper about 1^ to 2 inches in length, and \ inch in diameter. 

 During this week were exhumed six skeletons, and six ash pits opened. 

 On Saturda}" a cross section was made of one of these pits, b}^ excava- 

 tino- from the outside, and the following diagram (fig. 12) illustrates 

 the usual arrangement of these pits. 



LEAF MOLD 

 & ALLUVIAL SOI L 



CHARRED WOOD & 

 OTHER REMAINS OF FIRE 

 9, IN. 



ASHES . 

 ANIMAL REMAINS 



CLAY OR SAND 3. IN 



CLEAR WHITE ASHES 2 IN ^ 



SAND ASHES 5. UNIO SHELLS 

 6. IN. . : 



VERY PURE GREY ASHES 

 12. m. 



Fig. 12. Diagram of Asli Pit, Xo. 53. 



In opening these pits, many of the layers are intermixed with each 

 other, but as a rule the layers are distinct, and can be readily deter- 

 mined on the sides of the excavation. Below the second layer, 

 the contents are not charred ; in some pits the ashes will 

 measure 2^ feet without any noticeable partings. A record is kept of 



