SACREDENCLOSURES. IQI 



PLATE XXXVI. No. 4. 



This little map exhibits a section of six miles of the Newark valley, showing 

 the relative positions of the "Newark group" (Plate XXV); the "Fortified 

 Hill" near Granville (Plate IX); and the " Alligator," just described. But a small 

 proportion of the mounds occurring within this range are shown on the map. 



These comprise the only works in the form of animals which have fallen under 

 notice. The singular mound occurring within the great circle near Newark may 

 perhaps deserve to occupy a place with them: that, however, has the internal 

 characteristics of the sacrificial mounds, while the others, so far as our knowledge 

 extends, cover no remains. The mound found within the work in Scioto county, 

 Ohio, (Plate XXIX,) and described on a preceding page, may also rank with 

 them. From the information which we possess concerning the animal effigies of 

 Wisconsin, it does not appear probable that they were constructed for a common 

 purpose with those of Ohio. They occur usually in considerable numbers, in 

 ranges, upon the level prairies ; while the few which are found in Ohio occupy 

 elevated and commanding positions, — "high places," as if designed to be set apart 

 for sacred purposes. An " altar," if we may so term it, is distinctly to be observed 

 in the oval enclosure connected with the " Great Serpent ;" one is equally distinct 

 near the Granville work, and another in connection with the lesser but equally 

 interesting work near Tarlton. If we were to deduce a conclusion from these 

 premises, it would certainly be, that these several effigies possessed a symbolical 

 meaning, and were the objects of superstitious regard. 



Whether any other works of this description occur in the State or valley is not 

 known ; it is extremely likely, however, that a systematic examination of the 

 whole field would result in the discovery of others equally remarkable, and perhaps 

 disclose a connection between them and the animal effigies of the North-west, 

 already alluded to. The facts that none of these singular remains have been 

 noticed, and that up to this time not a single intimation of their existence has 

 been made public, show how little attention has been bestowed upon our anti- 

 quities, and how much remains to be accomplished before we can fully compre- 

 hend them. 



Such is the character of a large proportion of the ancient monuments of the 

 Mississippi valley. How far a faithful attention to their details has tended lo 



