2 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



The graves or mounds were of a very peculiar construction remind- 

 ing one of the stone graves of Tennessee and yet possessing some 

 specific characteristics. The most noticeable feature is the pres- 

 ence of a rude stone cist completely covered with a huge pile of 

 loose stones. In some cases these piles were of great extent. 



DISCUSSION. 



Major Powell said that as many were not personally familiar with 

 the stone graves and mounds of the upper Mississippi and its many 

 great tributaries, he would remark that these forms of receptacles 

 for the dead consisted of stones placed edgewise so as to form an 

 oblong space, the stones presenting an almost continuous shoulder, 

 upon which was placed a stone slab as a cover. 



The discovery of articles of modern manufacture was not of rare 

 occurrence, and the recent investigation by Mr. Carr, of the Peabody 

 Museum at Cambridge, and the researches of the Bureau of Eth- 

 nology combined to show that the " Mound-Builders" could not be 

 classed as a people distinct from the historic Indians occupying 

 those localities where such remains are still found. 



Prof. Mason stated that the paper just read was useful for the 

 reason that the subject pertained to a region comparatively near to 

 our city, which had not yet been investigated. Several years ago, 

 a party consisting of Dr. Rau, Mr. Reynolds, and other gentlemen 

 visited the Luray Cave for the purpose of investigation, and Mr. 

 Reynolds subsequently opened some stone graves near that locality. 

 These were really cairns. 



Major Powell said that in Kentucky and elsewhere stone graves 

 are found by the hundred. He had opened great numbers of graves 

 in the same mound, showing that people had buried bodies in 

 diverse ways and at different times, the manner being that stone 

 grave was added to stone grave until scores were erected. 



Prof. Mason inquired whether single stone graves had been dis- 

 covered over which large heaps of stones had been erected, to which 

 Major Powell replied that he had not, to his recollection, found 

 single graves so covered, but where there were several together, 

 many of the western tribes are said to cast stones upon the graves 

 of their dead ; but more definite information as to their actual prac- 

 tice was desirable. 



Prof. Gore said that during a recent visit to southwestern Vir- 



