WORKS OF DEFENCE. 25 



been observed to embrace a minor work of the description here represented. 

 The character of the principal enclosure can hardly be mistaken ; it is palpably a 

 defensive work, although deficient in that grand essential, a supply of water. If 

 we concede, what can hardly admit of doubt, that the minor structure had a sacred 

 or superstitious origin, we must of necessity arrive at the conclusion that the altars 

 of the ancient people sometimes accompanied their defences. 



This work constitutes one of the Newark Group, and is indicated by the letter 

 B in the " Map of six miles of the Neivark Valley,^'' presented upon a succeeding 

 plate. This section of country was once densely populated, as is evidenced by the 

 number and extent of the ancient remains which it includes ; and it is probable that 

 the work here noticed, together with one of like character upon the opposite side 

 of the valley, three miles distant, constituted the places of last resort of the ancient 

 inhabitants. The extensive works in the immediate vicinity of Newark, of which 

 a full account is elsewhere given, can hardly be supposed to partake of a military 

 character. 



PLATE IX. No. 2.* 



FORTIFIED HILL AT THE MOUTH OF THE GREAT MIAMI RIVER, HAMILTON COUNTY, 



OHIO. 



This work is strictly analogous to the other hill-works already described, and is 

 so well exhibited in the engraving as to need little explanation. It occupies the 

 summit of a steep, insulated hill, and consists of a wall carried along its brow, 

 composed of earth, thrown as usual in such cases from the interior. The wall 

 conforms strictly to the outline of the hill, except at the west, where there is a con- 

 siderable promontory, which is left unenclosed. Upon this promontory is a mound, 

 corresponding doubtless in its purposes with the one on the principal avenue of 

 approach to the remarkable fortified hill, higher up on the Miami, in Butler county 

 (Plate VI.) The late President Harrison regarded this work as admirably 

 designed for defence, and as evincing extraordinary military skill. He says : 



" The work at the mouth of the Great Miami was a citadel, more elevated than 

 the Acropolis of Athens, although easier of access, as it is not like the latter a 

 solid rock, but upon three sides is as nearly perpendicular as could be, to be com- 

 posed of earth. A large space of the low ground was, however, enclosed by walls 

 uniting it with the Ohio. The foundation of that (being of stone as well as those 

 of the citadel) which formed the western defence, is still visible where it crosses 



* The above plan is copied from tlie map accompan3'ing Harrison's published Address before the His- 

 torical Society of Ohio, — Trnnsadlons. vol. i. p. 2T7. 



4 



