PAP.^O.lTf EXCAVATIONS AT FORT LOOKOUT II — MILLER 57 



and branches were found mixed with the soil, wliich also contained 

 some charcoal and ash lenses. Pieces of fragmentary chalkstone were 

 scattered over most of the southern limits of the excavated area (fig. 3) . 



At a depth of 0.3 foot we uncovered a number of charred beams. 

 The clay briquettes increased in quantity and the 'amomit of ash 

 became deeper and more concentrated. The briquettes, ash, and 

 charred beams roughly outlined a rectangular area approximately 

 70 feet long and 20 feet wide oriented north-northwest and south- 

 southeast. We could not determine the overall dimensions of the 

 structure nor could we tell whether there had been one large or several 

 small rooms. A major portion of the structure apparently had a dirt 

 floor. A number of hearth areas. Features 13, 39, 40, and 41 (fig. 4) 

 would indicate that it was extensively used as a place to build fires. 

 This would exclude the possibility of any plank flooring, at least over 

 most of the area at the time when the building was last occupied. 

 There were some indications, however, of a certain amount of wooden 

 flooring in one part of the area and it is possible that a small room at 

 the south end of the structure was so equipped. Mr. Garth suggested 

 at the end of the first season's work that Indians may have removed the 

 flooring after the building was abandoned and used it for firewood, a 

 not uncoimnon practice. They also may have camped in the remains 

 of the structure from time to time, building the fires evidenced by 

 the hearth areas, and have been directly responsible for its ultimate 

 burning. 



Midway across the southern end of this area was a rectangular 

 block of Niobrara chalkstone. Feature 17, 3 feet long, 1 foot 6 inches 

 wide, and 4 inches thick. The top 1^/^ inches of the block was a pale 

 salmon-pink color while the rest was a murky white. The discolora- 

 tion was such as would be caused by prolonged fires. This block of 

 chalkstone probably served as a footing for a fireplace which occupied 



201- 



30 (- 



I ST LEVEL 



Figure 3. — Diagrammatic representation of area uncovered in previous summer's work 

 at the site, with the location of the chalkstone fireplace footer, Feature 17, in position. 



