24 



A NCIBNT M [NING 



was used for a blacksmith shop, the outlines of a forge were quite distinct, with 

 cinders, charcoal, and pieces of rusty iron lying upon it. There were also several 

 pounds of corroded steel and brass, mostly the locks and guards of muskets, and 



CorrEE Instrument. — Full size. Fort Wilkins. 



Section through a b. 



one gun barrel. On the forgo a pine tree had established itself, which we cut 

 down, and counted upon the stump sixty-one layers of annual growth. 



In regard to the implements found at the mill on Carp River, I incline to the 

 belief that they are not as ancient as the old mines. Mr. Henry, who has furnished 

 us the account of the explorations just referred to on the Ontonagon River, and on 

 the north shore, made by the English soon after the Treaty of Faris, says that the 

 Indians beat out pieces of copper into bracelets and spoons. None of their imple- 

 ments are shown to have been so difficult to form as the chisels and spear-heads, 

 which are found in the old pits. These required a state of mechanical skill appa- 

 rently above the reach of Indians. 



Mr. Burt has also furnished the following sketch of a copper honk found by 

 himself in the excavation of the St. Mary's Canal. 



Fig. IS. 



Y 



a 



Copter Hook. — Full size, a a. Flaws in the metal. Sault St. Mary's. 



It has the usual flaws which cold wrought articles exhibit, and doubtless belongs 

 to the class of recently made implements. 



