MOUNDS IN WEST FLORIDA. 



857 



of its Indian origin were wanting, it was not disturbed, on the suppo- 

 sition that it was formerly a Spanish burial place made by early set- 

 tlers. 



No other Indian remains are on this peninsula excepting a small 

 mound in Gilotown, which is of doubtful origin, as extensive digging 

 brought to light no evidences of Indian occupation. At Escribano 

 Point, however, on the eastern shore of the bay and about 7 miles be- 

 low Milton, tbere is abundant evidences of 'a large Indian population. 

 This point was in every way suitable for aboriginal settlement, as the 

 numerous oyster beds in the vicinity afforded an inexhaustible supply 

 of that favorite food, while the existence of shoal water along the shore 

 for several miles was peculiarly favorable for shooting and spearing 

 fish. It is quite probable that there was a large town or village at this 

 place, and that large numbers of people resorted to it for the pur- 

 pose of obtaining fish and oysters. Immense quantities of broken pot- 

 tery are strewn over the ground, and all the usual evidences of Indian 

 occupation are present; but the most important circumstance in connec- 

 tion with Escribano Point is the discovery of a new and singular mode 

 of burial, which was practiced by the former inhabitants of this region. 

 Fig. 1 gives a pretty good representation of this peculiar mode of bur- 



Fig. 1. — Mode of interment at Escribano Point, Florida. 



ial in section. It seems that the body was first deposited in a grave four 

 or five feet in depth and covered with earth. Upon this, oyster shells 

 and pine wood were piled in large quantities ; the heap was then set on 

 fire, and the lime resulting from the burning of the oyster shells mixing 



