FOWKE] ARCHEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS 17 



imremoved bedrock above, is generally much less than the length 

 as measured along the face of the bluff. They are nearly always 

 dry, more or less protected from storms, and when of suitable size 

 and in a favorable location were much used as camping places. 

 They are rather rare in limestone formations but frequent in massive 

 sandstone. 



"House mounds" are small, low piles of earth, similar in all 

 respects to those so numerous in southeastern Missouri and south- 

 ward. Although they are usually described as " standing in regu- 

 lar rows," they are in fact irregularly placed, though seldom as 

 much as 100 feet apart in the same group. 



Measurements of caverns explored were made with a tape line; 

 others were estimated by stepping, or in the case of elevations, by 

 sighting, consequently are only approximate, but the figures given 

 will in no case exceed the actual distance. 



Specimens reported from caves not excavated were found on the 

 floor, sometimes in situations where no addition of cave earth had 

 taken place since the objects were left there ; at other times where they 

 were brought from below by burrowing animals; and, again, where 

 they are exposed in the bed or banks of a drainage channel. 



In no cave so far examined has any evidence been found to show 

 that the aborigines occupied any part of it beyond such point as was 

 adequately illuminated from the entrance. No doubt they may, at 

 times, have retreated beyond the reach of daylight and been com- 

 pelled to dispel the darkness by means of fires; but sucji instances 

 were rare and of short duration. Statements are sometimes made 

 that specimens, usually flint implements, have been found far, pos- 

 sibly several hundred yards, within the cavern. Such objects do 

 not predicate habitation at that distance ; primitive explorers may 

 have lost them. It has been pointed out, too, by Mr. De Lancey Gill, 

 that a wounded animal, taking refuge in a cave and instinctivel3^ 

 seeking its dark recesses, may carry in an arrow or spear whose 

 point remains when the shaft has decayed. In the case of a large 

 mammal, such as a bear or a panther, a number of arrow or spear 

 heads might be carried in and be found close together long after the 

 death of the victim. 



Cairns or stone-covered graves are of common occurrence; but 

 with a single exception the rocks in all those visited or reported are 

 more or less displaced. This is due to hunters digging out small wild 

 animals making a den in them ; to treasure seekers who believe that 

 " money " is concealed in them ; and most of all to persons who are 

 curious to know " what there is in there." 



The record of the investigations will be given by counties, begin- 

 ning at the south and proceeding northward. Descriptions and 

 notes of the sites mentioned will follow as closely as possible the 

 70341°— 22 2 



