rPvEPACE. 



The following explorations among the IMonncIs, Earthwovks, and Stone-graves 

 of tlie Aborigines of Tennessee, were commenced in the early part of 1SG8, and 

 were continued to the close of. 1869. 



The inductive method was followed in the entire investigation, and in present- 

 ing an outline of the explorations the effort has been made to accomplish two 

 results : — 



1st. The accurate description of the aboriginal remains. 



2d. The collection and classification of such facts as bore on their obscure history., 



With the limited means at the command of the author, and with numerous 

 pressing professional duties and cares, he was unable to carry forward the explo- 

 rations on the scale which their importance demanded; but it is hoped that these 

 imperfect labors may prove of some service to future explorers in this interesting 

 field. 



The thanks of the author are due to Mr. R. M. Ewing, Dr. Freeman, ]\Ir. Parish, 

 and General De Graffenreid, of Franklin, Mr. Brown, of Old Town, Colonel Over- 

 ton, of Natchez, and to his intelligent and kind friends, Dr. John AVatson jNIorton, 

 of Nashville, and Dr. John H. Morton, of Union City, Tennessee, for valuable aid 

 during the explorations of the stone-graves and mounds. 



(V) 



