Description of Artificial Mounds in Louisiana. 41 
the clearing of the trees from it, several slides have marred its 
symmetry. From the summit a good view may be had of all 
the circumjacent works and country. The slides as well as ex- 
cavations made in it, have developed its internal structure; viz. 
a series of strata or tables at about three feet distance, one above 
another, each surmounted by a pavement of rude bricks. No 
bones have been found in it; but the examination is avoided, 
from a desire to preserve the original symmetry of the Temple. 
All these principal mounds are so well known to have been used 
for places of burial by the builders,* that the fact ceases to be 
curious. Much credit is due to Dr. Harrison and H. Duval, Esq. 
for the care and taste they manifest in protecting and restoring 
the forms of the mounds. 
The five mounds which face the Temple from the eastward, 
have great uniformity of figure and dimensions, being highest in 
the rear, excepting No. 1 and No. 5, which are nearly level on 
the top. Nos. 1, 2, 4and 5 have terraces in front, and all incline 
gently to the plain, which has been somewhat excavated. In 
the rear, however, and chiefly on the sides, they are very abrupt, 
The pond in the rear is evidently artificial, and constructed by 
removing the earth for building purposes. Around them are a 
breastwork and ditch, (b, c,d), the latter produced by throwing 
up the earth for the former, probably to serve as a leveé around 
the pond to the high land at band d. See the table for the di- 
mensions of the several mounds. 
Those which we have numbered 7 and 8, have great similarity 
in their magnitude, form and relative position to the Temple. 
But lying as they do in the midst of a cultivated field, their def- 
inite outlines are fast disappearing. No. 6, however, differs essen- 
tially from all the other mounds of the system. It is perfectly 
level on the surface, of gentle declivity and moderate height, 
(about five feet,) and has been fitly chosen as the site for a dwell- 
ing house and yard. The house fronts the area surrounded by 
the mounds, and the tasteful proprietors are about to improve the 
whole as ornamental grounds, with walks, shrubbery, flowers and 
grass, and thus protect them from deterioration. | 
* Peruvian, Natchez and Choctaw crania are usually found, and with them are 
buried a variety of potter’s ware, curious pipes, and beautifully finished stone 
hatchets, of various shapes and sizes ; 
Vol. xxix, No. 1.—April-June, 1845. 6 
