118 ANCIENT MONUMENTS. 



by a ditch at its base, of variable dimensions, but averaging perhaps ten feet in 

 depth. It is ascended by graded avenues. The area on the top embraces about 

 four acres. Near each of the ends, and as nearly as may be in the longitudinal 

 centre of the elevation, is placed a large conical mound. The one towards the west 

 is represented to be not far from forty feet in height, and truncated, with a level 

 area at its summit of thirty feet diameter. The opposite mound is somewhat less 

 in size, and is also truncated. Eight other mounds are regularly placed at various 

 points ; they are of comparatively small size, measuring from eight to ten feet in 

 lieight. The ground here is considerably broken ; and it has been supposed by 

 some, from the fact that it slopes in every direction from the base of the monu- 

 ment, that the structure is simply a natural elevation modified and fashioned into 

 its present form by the hands of man.* Human bones have been exposed by the 

 washing away of the sides of this structure. 



The above examples, it is believed, may be taken as very fair illustrations of 

 the general form and external characteristics of the Southern monuments. There 

 are no perfect pyramids. With the exception of a portion, probably the larger 

 portion, of the conical mounds, which are abundant, but overshadowed by the 

 more remarkable structures which surround them, all appear to be truncated, and 

 to have, in most instances, graded ascents to their tops. As already remarked, 

 they do not seem to have been connected with any military system, — their form 

 and structure, so far as developed, pointing to a religious origin. Some have been 

 noticed as having parapets raised on their summits, as if to protect the area in 

 case of assault ; and hence it has been concluded that the larger elevations were 

 " forts " or citadels. This feature was observed in many of the Teocalli of the 

 Mexicans. It is possible that they may have been designed secondarily for 

 defence. That the Mexicans fought with the greatest determination around the 

 bases of their temples, from their terraces and their summits, we have abundant 

 evidence in the records of the conquerors. However well these elevations may 

 have served for places of retreat in case of sudden attack, it is obvious that they 

 were in no wise adapted to resist anything like a regular siege or a continued 

 investment. The absence of sources for procuring water, and the narrow compass 

 to which the besieged must necessarily be limited, seem sufficient in themselves to 



* Breckenridge's View of Louisiana, Appendix. Mr. J. R. Bartlett, in a recent Memoir on the 

 " Progress of Ethnology," presents, on the authority of Dr. M. W. Dickeson, some new facts respecting 

 this mound. " On digging into it, vast (juantities of human skeletons were found ; also numerous speci- 

 mens of pottery, including vases filled with pigments, ashes, ornaments, etc. The north side of the 

 mound is supported by a wall of sun-dried bricks, two feet thick, filled with grass, rushes, and leaves. A 

 shaft has been sunk in the mound to the depth of forty-two feet, without reaching the original soil." 

 Dr. Dickeson also mentions angular tumuli, the corners of which " were quite perfect, formed of large 

 bricks, bearing the impression of the human hand." We have the same authority for the fact that the 

 great enclosure at the "Trinity" in Louisiana, which contains one hundred and fifty acres, "is partially 

 faced with sun-dnod bricks." Also that ditches and ponds are sometimes found, in the same State, 

 " lined at the bott(jm and sides with bricks." These bricks are stated to be from sixteen to eighteen 

 inches hi K-n<;Ui, and of pmp.jrlionato breadth 



