172 DAVENPORT ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. 



deeply imbedded in the ground, all indicated that these works were 

 ancient. The stones were probably gathered from the level area on 

 which the works are located, for this area is free from other stones, 

 whereas the sides of the knoll, and the summits and sides of the others 

 are strewn with similar boulders. 



There are many small circles (marked e) scattered about these works. 

 They are some ten to twelve feet in diameter, formed of stones a foot 

 apart. There were still many modern Indians in this vicinity — Win- 

 nebagoes, Crows, and Sioux. I enquired of a Crow and a Sioux, and 

 each denied knowledge of the existence of the mounds. At Blunt I 

 enquired of an attorney, Mr. Charles Berger, who also said he knew 

 nothing of such works and expressed surprise at their existence. I 

 believe I am the first white man who ever saw the serpent. It would 

 not be visible from the time the grass is a few inches high until after 

 it was burned over, except on close inspection. I visited the knoll at 

 the most favorable time for seeing the colossal serpent, remarkable in 

 itself, and especially as being the only one known constructed of stone 

 in the manner described. 



This entire knoll is useless for agricultural purposes, and should be 

 preserved as a park. It will exist for centuries as it is to-day if it es- 

 capes the hands of the willful vandal. 



Note.— Since writing the above I have seen the article on this subject in 

 Atiierican Anthropologist, Vol. II., No. 2. My notes were written on the 

 spot, April 25, 1883, and I believe them correct. I used a compass in noting 

 direction. Height of butte estimated. J. m. h. 



