280 



ABORIGINAL STRUCTURES IN GEORGIA. 



Scale 40 feet to 1 inch. 

 Bird-shaped atone mound in Putnam County, Georgia. 



This stone mound represents an eagle lying upon its back, with ex- 

 tended wings. (See Fig. 1.) The head is turned toward the east. In 

 the construction of this tumulus respect was had to the object imitated ; 

 the height of the tumulus at the breast of the bird being between 7 and 

 8 feet, its altitude thence decreasing toward the head and beak, where 

 it is not more than 2J feet high, and also toward the extremity of the 

 wings and tail, where it has an elevation of scarcely 2 feet The beak 

 is decidedly aquiline, and the tail is indented. Measured from the top 

 of the head to the extremity of the tail this structure is 102 feet long. 

 From tip to tip of the wings, measured across the body, we have a dis- 

 tance of 120 feet. The greatest expanse of tail is 38 feet, the same as 

 the lateral diameter of the body. Tlie proportions of the head, neck, 

 wings, and tail are cleverly preserved. That this tumulus was designed 

 to typify an eagle, we think may be affirmed with some degree of con- 

 fidence, and that it possesses unusual attractions will not be denied. 

 Surrounded by primitive forest and composed of most durable material, 

 its antiquity is evidently very considerable. If undisturbed, it will 

 l^reserve its integrity for an indefinite period. 



By some curious persons an attempt was made, years ago, to pry into 

 its secrets. A partial opening was effected in the breast, but with what 

 results we could not learn. It excites no surprise that the eagle should 

 have been selected in ancient times as a symbol of all that was swift, 

 powerful, watchful, daring, and noble. Of its feathers was the battle- 

 flag of the Creeks made. Their council-lodges were surmounted with 



