22 BUREAIT OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [bull. 76 



WATSON, TWIN, OR ONYX CAVES 



The two caverns thus variously designated are on the Meramec 

 River, 14 miles north of Salem. They are parallel to a depth of 

 about 100 feet, being separated by only 10 or 12 feet of solid wall. 

 The floors of both slope downward from front to rear, but not so 

 rapidly as the roof, so that at this distance the caves apparently 

 come to an end. But that they continue back into the hill is mani- 

 fest from the appearance of the roofs. In some manner the rear 

 portion of each has become entirely filled with earth. Probably 

 they unite somewhere beyond this point. 



Either of these caves is of ample size to make an excellent shelter 

 for a large number of people; but they are difficult of access, and 

 no evidence whatever could be discovered indicating occupancy. 



In fact, this part of the Meramec Valley does not seem to have 

 ever been permanently inhabited. Residents say that relics, even 

 flint implements, are seldom found in the bottom lands; and this 

 fact was comjnented on hj persons who have learned how common 

 such things are in other localities. Small, rough hematite axes, 

 however, occur in considerable quantities throughout the region. 

 The ore outcrops at various places and solid nodules or fragments 

 are plentiful. Chert knives or spearheads are found scattered 

 promiscuously; and, rarely, an object made of other stone may be 

 picked up. Very few specimens of any description are symmetrical 

 or carefully finished. 



HOUSE MOUNDS (5) 



On the Dent County infirmary farm, in Spring Creek Valley, a 

 mile and a half south of Salem, is a group of house mounds, about 

 50 in number. They have not been much disturbed by cultivation; 

 the creek and a drainage ditch have cut through several of them, 

 but, as usUjal, there is nothing in the construction to show their 

 purpose. 



Two similar groups are on the Short Bend road, not far from 

 Salem ; another group on Peter Guthoerl's farm 6 miles east of 

 Salem; and a fourth group, partly within the corporate limits of 

 Salem, on the road to RoUa. 



PHELPS COUNTY 



BATES CA\'E 



On the farm of J. W. Riden, G miles southeast of Big Piney post 

 office, is Bates Cave, of which every visitor to the region is speedily 

 informed. It is entered with difficulty by sliding feet first down the 

 inner slope of a pile of debris which fills the entrance almost to the 



