CHAPTER III. 

 SOME INVESTIGATIONS ON THE MAINLAND. 



PALMAR. 



This is a hacienda three or four miles northwest of San Jorge, on the main- 

 land in the department of Rivas. In a field close to the lake at Palos Negros 

 near Palmar, relics were abundant. They consisted of fragments of terra-cotta, 

 painted in a style intermediate between the Luna and Santa Helena classes of 

 pottery. 



On the lake beach beyond, some very interesting specimens were obtained. 

 The excavation was made during the dry season, when the water of the lake was 

 lowest. The objects found were near the edge of the water and below its level ; 

 so that while one man dug another had to be constantly employed bailing out the 

 water which rose rapidly in the holes. Several human skeletons were found ; one 

 with head resting on a good metate, No. 32,762, and roller. Over the skull was 

 a bowl, inverted, and by the sides were other specimens, all of a novel variety of 

 pottery. The vessels, bowls, and vases were formed with great regularity and 

 grace. The ornamental lines were engraven, and the spaces intervening were 

 painted in red, giving a curious and pleasing effect. 



The bones were blackened, heavy, and well preserved. They seemed deeply 

 impregnated with the iron, which is so conspicuous in the black sand of this 

 beach. About afoot beneath the surface the sand was underlaid with a hard 

 tenacious clay, in which the relics were imbedded. Two skeletons were lying 

 parallel with the shore line, with the feet to the south. 



Within three days after the rising of the water in the lake began it was 

 impossible to work. 



Fig. 134. 



No. 28,918. 

 Vessels from Palmar. 



