32 Human Foot-Prints in Solid Limestone. 
in the intaglio is attributable to the polishing action of the current 
of the Mississippi, bearing with it fine gravel and sand. This 
cause is alone sufficient to explain the removal of any scratches, 
or other tool marks of an unskilful hand, even if we suppose such 
to have been left by a native engraver 
_ We must admit the probability, that the aborigines of Northern 
America were unacquainted with the use of iron tools,* yet by 
water itself in the course of time, an impression may be made on 
the hardest rock. The hardness of flint is 7°, while that of lime- 
stone is but 3°. Where is, then, the improbability, that the pa- 
tient Indian, who, in the intervals of war or the chase, is known 
to spend months in carving some favorite weapon or frivolous 
ornament, should have gradually hollowed out these foot-prints? 
How incomparably easier such a task, than to produce those com- 
plicated ornaments on altar-pieces and idols in Central America, 
which the enterprise of Mr. Stephens has recently submitted to 
the inspection of the curious? The Western hemisphere once 
produced its sculptors, persevering, skilful, even tasteful and del- 
icate. If they have left their handiwork in ees Yu- 
catan, why not also on the banks of. the Mississippi. Lea 
The slab which is the subject of these enquiries was q 
it will be recollected, from a ledge of rock at a point on Bes very 
edge of the stream when at its lowest stage. The present site 
of St. Lonis, it will also be borne in mind, was a common gath- 
ering place of the neighboring Indians, as the adjacent mounds 
abundantly testify. May we not, then, with some degree of con- 
fidence, hazard the conjecture, that our impressions were an abo- 
riginal record of extreme low water, as observed by the Indian 
race, at their favorite resort on the banks of the Father of Waters 
—their own “aig and magnificent Ye ? 
* Yet it is possible that our oe might ee au chiselied by the aid of 
iron or steel tools. Neither tradition nor its present a may justify us in 
i dating its origin ni beyond a couple of centuries. But Bancroft, 
ferent: of the United States, reminds us, that Soto and a party of Spaniards 
ded the Mississippi above New Madrid in the year 1541; and dispatched 
axplening party to examine the regions farther north. This or some other party— 
Bib he persevering Jesuits, who at a very remote period pen ted 
wilds—may have reached St. Lonis- at that early day, and introduced i 
ion among the Indians. Nay, it is within the bounds of possibility, aes - 
pe Aa improbable ‘enough, that some of these adventurers turers themselves were 
ptors. 
