HRPUfiKA] -Kl i I I \l .IK \l MNS 87 



I >!>< I 



The examination of the IIIIMIMM ivmum- from \\\<- Gilder !iioiin<l 

 In'ing concluded :iiul their BOmfttologicsJ character^ d-M-ril>ed in 

 detail. it i- now ncccv-ary to consider tin- <|iieMion of their probable 

 relation- to the geological formation with which they were associated 

 and the U'aring of ihc-c relations on the question of antiquity. 



It U not <|tie-t ioned that the various explorations have been intel- 

 ligently conducted and that sincere effort has IKHMI made to ascertain 

 and promulgate the entire truth regarding the finds, but if the pres- 

 ent knowledge concerning these. specimens is impartially considered) 

 it i- apparent that the theory of a more than recent geological origin 

 of any of them meets with serious objections, while, on the other 

 hand, no insurmountable obstacle appears in connection with the 

 assumption that all are comparatively recent. If the existence of 

 geologically ancient man in any part of this country is to be generally 

 accepted, the evidence should IK' free from serious doubts and uncer- 

 tainties. That this condition is not fulfilled in the present case will 

 become manifest when due weight is given to the following consid- 

 erations: 



(&) Within a depth of 5 feet or less, the Gilder mound contained 

 the remains of apparently about a dozen bodies. There were male 

 and female skeletons, ranging in age from the infant to the senile 

 subject. Two or three of the skulls, with some accompanying bones, 

 lay within 2} foet or less of the surface. Below this, according to 

 the explicit statements of Mr. Gilder, was a layer of clay of undeter- 

 mined area, hardened by fire." This is an occasional feature in 

 burial mounds of this general region.'' the purpose of the baking being 

 po ibly to protect the bodies from animals which otherwise might 

 prey on them. Beneath this cover of hardened earth lay in some pro- 

 miscuity, but in numerous instances in partial natural association, the 

 skeletal remains of eight or nine lx>dies. r At still lower levels, 

 down to the depth of 11} feet, were found here and there pieces of 

 human l>ones. Instances of anatomical association extended to the 



A small piece of clay secured by Mr. (illder anil recently sent for examination to 

 tin- writer by Professor Harbour, dhows iiiimiMtakabIt* -kn- of partial burning. Port Inns 

 of tin" piece are of the color and nearly of the consistency of a ll-lit dnnu-il brick. A 

 ample of this nature, while not conclusive proof of an extended flre-hardened layer. U 

 nevertheless confirmatory of Mr. <!llder's earlier statements as to the exUteuce of such a 

 layer. 



'See C'yriiH Thomas, Keport on the Mound Exploration of the Bureau of Ethnology. 

 TII i If Hi .\nnunl /.'/<"// of the Hurcau of Amrrinin Ethnology, WaxhlnRton. ivi; and 

 l'rr<!. -rick Starr, Summary of the Archeology of Iowa (with Bibliography of lowan 

 AntlqiiltlcKi. I'l-ix-ii'ling* of the Darrnport Academy of Science*, vi, 1895. 



" According to Information received from Profesnor Barhour Mnrch .">, a block of loes* 

 whirl) wan taken t<> tin- lalmratory In MM entirety, allowed partu of another akeleton. 

 Tin* (tones began at 4 fi-t Inche* from the xurface and extended down to feet, several 

 of them plainly showing anatomical association. 



