IMPLEMENTS OF STONE. 



217 



Still further to fasten and render the instrument firm and immovable in the handle, 

 it was wedged on the inner edge, which usually was slightly hollowed for that 

 purpose. 



It is clear, from the weight of many of these axes, that they were designed to 

 be wielded with both hands. Some weigh not less than fourteen pounds, but most 

 range from six to ten. The average weight of the ordinary wood-axe of the 

 present day, is about six pounds. 



Engravings of a number of axes analogous to that above described, but less 

 symmetrical in form, are herewith presented, Fig. 109. The smaller varieties were 



Fio. 109. 



probably designed for war-axes or hatchets. They weigh from one to two and 

 three pounds, and frequently have rounded heads, as if to serve the double 

 purpose of hatchet and club. Occasionally one is found with a double blade, 



as shown in No. 1 of the engraving. 



The Hand-axes are destitute of grooves, and , 

 as already observed, seem designed to be used 

 as chisels or gouges. They are more numerous 

 than the other variety, and are of all sizes, from 

 two inches to a foot in length. Some, like Fig. 

 110, are nearly cylindrical ; others, like Fig. Ill, 

 are gouge-shaped. Fig. 110 is remarkable as 

 being the only specimen of this kind of axe 

 recovered from the mounds, under such circum- 

 stances as to establish conclusively that it per- 

 Fio. 110. Fio. 111. tained to the builders. It is composed of green- 



stone, and the marks of the tool, by which it was pecked into shape, are distinctly 

 visible upon it. The subjoined engraving (Fig. 112) presents examples of a number 



28 



