W O R K S O F D E F E N E . 31 



connection with the springs originating within the work, to supply with water any 

 population which might here make a final stand before an invader. Even in the 

 absence of these sources, surrounded as the work is on every hand by streams, it 

 would be easy, in face of the most formidable investment, to procure an adequate 

 supply. 



At numerous points in the line of embankment, and where from position they 

 would yield the most effective support, are found large quantities of stones. These 

 are water-worn, and seem, for the most part, to have been taken from the river. 

 If so, an incredible amount of labor has been expended in transporting them 

 to the places which they now occupy, — especially will it appear incredible, when 

 we reflect that all of them were doubtless transported by human hands. 



A review of this magnificent monument cannot fail to impress us with admira- 

 tion of the skill which selected, and the industry which secured this position. 

 Under a military system, such as we feel warranted in ascribing to the people by 

 whom this work was constructed, it must have been impregnable. In every point 

 of view, it is certainly one of the most interesting remains of antiquity which the 

 continent affords. 



PLATE VIII. No. I. 



I From the Surveys and Notes of James McBrtde. ] 



This work occurs on the bank of the Great Miami river, four miles above the 

 town of Hamilton, in Butler county, Ohio, and is one of the most interesting hill- 

 works known. It corresponds in all essential particulars with those of the 

 same class already described. It occupies the summit of a promontory cut from 

 the table lands bordering the Miami river, which upon three sides presents high 

 and steep natural banks, rendered more secure for purposes of defence by artificial 

 embankments thrown up along their brows. The remaining side is defended by a. 

 wall and ditch, and it is from this side only that the work is easy of approach. 

 The walls are low, measuring at this time but about four feet in height. The 

 area enclosed is level, subsiding somewhat towards the north, so as to form a sort 

 of natural terrace along the river. Previous to the construction of the Miami canal, 

 this terrace was eight or ten rods wide, having a perpendicular bank next the 

 river, some fifty or more feet high. Upon this terrace are situated several small 

 mounds. The point indicated by c in the plan is the most elevated within the 

 enclosure. The ground here was intermixed with large stones, most of which 

 were removed in building the canal. Among them, it is said, were found several 

 human skeletons, and also a variety of carved stone implements. 



The most interesting feature in connection with this work is the entrance on 

 the south, of which the enlarged plan can alone afford a fair conception. The ends 



