Archaeological ExiDlorations near 3Iadisonville, Ohio. 57 



every pit explored, and the diameter and depth of the layers, as nearly as 

 practicable. Any variation from the usual condition is noted, but in 

 this paper it is not necessary to enter into the details of each pit, and 

 mention will only be made of those which show some marked variation, 

 or from which fine relics have been taken. In exploring these pits, 

 the earth and ashes excavated are thrown on to a coarse wire screen, 

 and fragments, of every description, are carefully gathered up and 

 laid aside for fui'ther examination. Among the animal bones taken 

 from the ash pits are many specimens of special interest zoologicallj^ 

 as representing species now extinct in this region ; a list of these is 

 reserved fov another occasion, as some specimens yet require identifi- 

 cation. 



Many of the vessels found with skeletons exhumed, contain a shell 

 which in everj- instance has been identified as Unio alatus. There 

 are also numerous perforated implements found in the ash pits, made 

 from the shell of U. x>licaius, of which the following (fig 13) is an il- 

 lustration of the largest jet found. 



■*f 



Fig. 13. Perforated Unio Valve. One third size. 



From May 19th to 24th, five ash pits were opened, and four skeletons 

 exhumed. An adult skeleton found on Saturda}^ was buried in an ex- 

 tended position, head to the south, face upward. On the right of the 

 cranium a limestone pipe (fig. 14) was found, and on the left side two 



