RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS. 29 



planted and grew, producing ears somewhat similar to Chilian club wheat. 

 The presence of wheat argues against the very great antiquitj' of -the 

 mound, since, according to Humboldt and others, wheat was first intro- 

 duced into this country about 300 years ago. 



There are six otlier mounds near the one opened, all encircled and con- 

 nected by graveled walks. Two of them are circular ; the others elon- 

 gated. They are composed of earth similar to the adjacent alluvial soil, 

 which is interspersed with gravel. Some of the local Indians (Utes) 

 attibute these mounds to the Navajoes ; others to the whites. Besides 

 the articles already mentioned, there have been found charred corn 

 with a small indented kernel, sun-flower seeds, pieces of red cedar, 

 grinding stones, mineral paint, and amongst numerous pieces of pottery, 

 one having painted upon it a quite recognizable sketch of a range of 

 mountains visible from the locality of the mounds. 



Unfortunately the greater part of the articles exhumed have been scat- 

 tered beyond recovery, but it is hoped other mounds of the group may be 

 equally instructive and rich in relics. 



[The discovery of wheat aboTe mentioned has been found to be a fraud. The wheat was taken 

 from a mouse nest. See Proceedings, Jan. 2fith, 1877.] 



Dr. Parry then read the following : 



Notice of the late I. A. Lapham, LL. D., 

 tJorresponding Member of the Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences, 



BY DR. C. C. PARRY. 



A little ir.ore than a year ago, viz : September 14th, 1875, Dr. I. A. Lapham 

 was found dead in a small fishing boat on Lake Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, 

 where, after concluding some scientific work in reference to the adapta- 

 bility of that charming lake district for the propagation of fish, he had 

 taken a solitary row for recreation. As a corresponding member of this 

 Academy, a,nd a worthy representative of scientific progress in the West- 

 ern country, it would seem proper that some special notice in reference 

 to the subject should appear on our records. Having been for many 

 years in frequent friendly correspondence with Mr. Lapham and enjoying 

 his personal friendship, I therefore submit the following, which may be 

 regarded as a tribute from the Academy. More full details may be gath- 

 ered from a complete biographical sketch, published by his intimate per- 

 sonal friend, S. S. Sherman, of Milwaukee. 



Mr. Lapham- was a genuine western man. Early identified, since 1836, 

 with the growth and progress of Wisconsin, and especially its chief town, 

 Milwaukee, He carefully, from the first, preserved all historical records, 

 including regular series of newspapers, and was the author of several of 

 the earliest works on Wisconsin, including maps and popular descriptions 

 of the country. He was actively connected, as surveyor and engineer, 

 with some of the earlier projects of inland navigation, including a canal 

 to connect the head waters of Rock River with Lake Michigan. He took 



