2(>() A N C I E N 'J' MONUMENTS. 



Fig. 165 represents a rapacious bird, probably some variety of the eagle or 

 hawk, in the attitude of tearing^ in pieces a small bird, which it grasps in its claws. 

 The sculpture is spirited and life-like, as well as minute and delicate. The wings 

 are folded across each other ; and the finer feathers upon their superior portions, 

 and upon the thighs, are well represented. The eyes of this bird were composed of 

 small pearls, inserted about half their depth in the stone. Pearls seem to have 

 constituted the eyes of nearly all the birds. 



Fig. 166: This fragment also represents some variety of rapacious bird. It is 

 wrought with admirable skill and spirit, and it is to be regretted that the entire 

 figure was not recovered. 



The Swallow. — Fig. 167. This fine specimen cannot be too much admired for 

 its fidelity to nature and its excellent finish. The body is thrown forward, and the 

 wings are apparently about to be expanded, as if IIk^ bird was just ready to dasli oH 

 on its swift and erratic fiight. This attitude will readily be recognised as eminently 

 characteristic, by those who have watched the graceful movements of this active, 

 cheerful bird. The engraving fails to convey the lightness and spirit of the 

 original, which, it should be mentioned, is carved in red porphyry. 



Summer or Wood Duck. — Fig. 168. This bird is common throughout the 

 United States. The head is well characterized, and is admirably executed. The 

 engraving conveys but an imperfect notion of the original, which is lighter and of 

 better proportions. 



The Toucan. (?) — Fig. 169. The engraving very well represents the original, 

 which is delicately carved from a compact limestone. It is supposed to represent 

 the toucan, — a tropical bird, and one not known to exist anywhen; within the 

 limits of the United States. If we are not mistaken in supposing it to represent 

 this bird, the remarks made respecting the sculptures of the manitus will here 

 apply with double force. 



Fig. 170. This specimen will readily be recognised as intended to represent 

 the head of the grouse. It is exceedingly spirited, and in execution is inferior to 

 none of the articles recovered from the mounds. Birds of this species, though not 

 abundant in the Scioto valley, are plentiful on the plains of Indiana and Illinois. 

 The material is the red granulated porphyry so oft(Mi mentioned. 



Fig. 171. Tliis specimen, which is well exhibited in the engraving, is carved 

 from a compact limestone. It was probably intended to represent (lie turkey- 

 buzzard. This bird is common in southern Oliio. 



