78 A N C 1 E N T M O N U M E N T S . 



remarkable feature ; and as enlarged plans and full descriptions of the several 

 groups follow, it may be well to notice them more particularly here. It will be 

 seen that from the central group B, three lines lead off: one to the south-east, to 

 a point on the Ohio, nearly opposite to which, on the Kentucky side, it is resumed, 

 leading to the circular work C ; another bears south-west, to a point on the river, 

 nearly opposite the large and regular work A. It does not appear to be resumed 

 on the other side of the river. ^ third line runs north-west for a considerable 

 distance, and loses itself in the broken grounds towards the Scioto. It may have 

 communicated with other works in that direction, which have been obliterated by 

 time, or, which is most likely, were destroyed in the manifest changes which the 

 plain in that direction has undergone within a few centuries. 



These lines consist of parallel embankments of earth, now measuring about 

 four feet in height, by twenty feet base. They are not far from one hundred and 

 sixty feet apart. The line leading towards the mouth of the Scioto, however, at 

 about midway of the distance, suddenly contracts to seventy feet. It is said to 

 have as suddenly widened further on, enclosing a square area, with a gateway 

 opening to the north. The town of Portsmouth is built over this portion, and all 

 traces of the pai-allelogram and the walls have disappeared. Near the point of 

 contraction in this line are two or three mounds of medium size. 



It is a fact to be observed in these as in similar lines at other places, that they 

 are not interrupted by the inequalities of the ground, but conform to the undula- 

 tions of the surface, running sometimes at right angles to the terrace banks, and 

 sometimes diagonally up and down them. At some points these banks are very 

 steep, — so steep, indeed, that in clambering up them the explorer is inclined to doubt 

 that they were ever used or intended for purposes of communication. The only 

 interruptions are those caused by the passage of streams, there being no gateways 

 observable. The total length of the parallels now traceable may be estimated at 

 eight miles, giving sixteen miles of embankment to the parallels alone. If we 

 include the walls of the entire series, we have a grand total of upwards of twenty 

 miles. 



After this general view, the reader will be prepared to examine the groups 

 forming the series A, B, and C, in the order of their succession. 



PLATE XXVIII. 



PORTSMOUTH WORKS GROUP A. 



The singular work, a plan of which is here given, occurs on the Kentucky side 

 of the Ohio river, opposite the old mouth of the Scioto, about two miles below 

 the town of Portsmouth. The terrace on which it is situated is elevated some 

 fifty feet above the first bottom, and extends back to the hills, which at this point 



