80 A N C I E N T M O N U M E N T S . 



the bottom of the ditch to the top of the wall, is perhaps twelve or fifteen feet. The 

 enclosed oval area is only sixty feet wide by one hundred and ten long. It has a 

 gateway to the north-east ten feet wide, — outside of which, in the deep forest, is 

 the grave of one of the first settlers. The object of this enclosure it is difficult to 

 divine. If a place of burial, as has been suggested, properly conducted excava- 

 tions would disclose the fact. 



A light wall of some hundred paces in extent runs from the left hand entrance 

 of the main work, along the verge of a declivity terminating at the western angle. 

 On this side are also three mounds, each about six feet high, — formerly much 

 higher, having been greatly reduced by the plough. From the western angle a 

 deep gully runs oft' to the river ; it has been mistaken by some for a covered way. 



The entire main work, the greater part of the lower parallel, and a portion of 

 the upper one, are now in open cultivated grounds. The walls of the main work 

 are so steep as to preclude cultivation, and now form the fence lines of the area, 

 which is fifteen acres. The area of the parallels is ten acres each ; — total, thirty- 

 five acres. 



Between this work and the river are traces of a modern Indian encampment or 

 town, — shells, burned stones, fragments of rude pottery, etc., also some graves. 

 This was a favorite spot with the Indians, for various reasons, one of which is its 

 proximity to a noted saline spring or deer lick, known as " McArthur's Lick." 



From the size of the walls, their position, and other circumstances, it has been 

 supposed that this was a fortified place. If palisaded, it would certainly be impreg- 

 nable to any savage attack. If designed as a sacred place, its sloping area would 

 be most fit for the observance of sacrifices or ceremonies. 



What may have been the purpose of the mysterious parallels, is more than we, 

 at this period, can venture to say. 



PLATE XXVIII, 



PORTSMOUTH WORKS GROUP B. 



This group also occupies the third terrace, and, though not so imposing in 

 magnitude as the one just described, seems to be the grand centre from which the 

 parallel lines, characterizing this series of works, radiate. Its details are intricate, 

 and can only be understood by the aid of the plan. The two crescent or horse-shoe- 

 shaped walls constitute the first striking feature which presents itself. They are 

 both of about the sam(> size and shape, measuring eighty feet in length by seventy 

 in breadth. The earth around them appears to have been considerably excavated. 

 Enclosing these in part is a circular wall now about five feet high. The elevation 

 to the right appears to bo natural, although evidently much modified by art. It is 

 eighteen feet higli at the end next the principal division of the work, but gradually 



