MOUNDS IN BUTLER COUNTY, OHIO. 849 



gave evidence that large sheets had been peeled from the tree, then 

 charred, and, unfolded, spread upon the previous layer. The charred 

 bark was continuous, though not extending out as far as d. This 

 charred bark was found to be rotten. The first measurements were 

 taken at/e, the depth of the trench at this point being 8 feet, the point 

 being removed from the place of beginning 17J feet. Upon the layer 

 of charred bark was one composed of fine charcoal and sand 6 inches 

 thick, c. Over that was placed a layer of charcoal 1 inch thick. Over- 

 laying that was a deposit of fine-grained sand 4 inches thick, which 

 in turn wag covered by a layer of sand and ashes, o, 7 inches deep. 

 Thence a deposit of sand 16 inches thick, p, over which was a layer 

 of ashes 2 inches deep, s. Upon this was a formation of ashes inter- 

 mingled with sand 30 inches deep. Over all was a layer of made soil 

 more or less mixed with sand. 



From h to /as we descended careful observations were taken. Upon 

 the top of the mound and extending through the layer of made soil 

 were loose limestone, some of which were as large as one man would 

 wish to handle. All showed evidences of fire. The next course was 

 composed of ashes containing both soil and sand, u. Within this for- 

 mation was the altar i, composed of burnt limestone 3 feet in diameter 

 and circular in form. Upon this altar were charred fragments of the 

 horn of a deer. Other bones of the deer also occurred, none of which 

 had been split open. With these remains were a fragment of pottery 

 and an implement made of bone and one of horn, the last being charred. 

 Some of the stone had been so thoroughly burned as to break in pieces 

 on being lifted from the bed. Immediately below the altar was a layer, 

 j, of red and matted ashes. From this point and extending to the bot- 

 tom, and resting upon a layer, s, of ashes was a bed of ashes mixed 

 with charcoal and sand. At various points in the excavation occurred 

 fragments of bowlder, which had been broken after being polished. 

 More of these fragments occurred near the center and bottom than at 

 the surface. Similar fragments may be picked up in the adjoining field. 

 No bones occurred elsewhere than on the altar, save in one instance. 

 About eight years ago a relic hunter took out a human skull at x. What 

 was done with it, or what were its characteristics I was unable to learn. 



The walls of the inclosure, within which is the above mound, removes 

 a natural elevation, which has been taken for a tumulus. It is a gravel 

 mound, and belongs to the drift period. From the apex of this eleva- 

 tion some twenty years ago, were taken five human skeletons. The 

 skeletons radiated from a center, the heads forming the inner circle. 

 The remains were in a good state of preservation. No one took pains 

 to secure them. 



It might be well to notice, in order to be of service to investigators 

 in other departments, that we saw clover roots extending into the 

 mound perpendicularly a distance of three feet. Also 7 feet below the 

 apex of the mound we saw a nest containing the common brown ant. 

 H. Mis. 09 54 



