£OWKE] MOUNDS IN ALABAMA 447 
been somewhat changed; it was no doubt practically circular when 
built. The ground on which it stands is slightly elevated above that 
immediately around it; the top of the mound is about 4 feet higher 
than the general level of the field. A space 25 by 40 feet was marked 
off on the surface of the mound, making allowance for the original 
margin and for the earth which had washed or been plowed down 
toward it. A narrow trench was cut around the mound, its outer side 
corresponding with the limits mentioned. 
On the east side, at the outer edge of the trench, just under the 
sod, were portions of a skeleton. The bones were of ordinary adult 
size, but the ends of the larger bones were not “ knit,” showing that 
the individual had not attained maturity. 
On the west side, opposite this, just under the grass roots, were 
portions of a skeleton; the bones were of ordinary adult size. These 
may have been intrusive burials. 
On the southeast side, about 3 feet above bottom, were three pieces 
of a double crescent or reel-form object of beaten copper; it seems to 
be made of several very thin sheets hammered together. There were 
two small perforations in it. It was either broken before being de- 
posited or had been corroded after ; not all of it was found. The miss- 
ing portions—only a small part of it—had been lost or had weathered 
away. There was nothing with or around it, and it seemed to have 
been lost or hidden; but as it was later discovered that it was directly 
over the large grave to be described later, it was possibly a votive 
offering or in some way connected with the burial below, as it was of 
the same pattern as those found in the grave. This specimen is shown 
in Plate 78, 6. : 
The trench was made 3 feet wide, within the limit of 40 by 25 feet 
marked off, but should have extended farther toward the margin, as 
nine skeletons were found in it at various points above the natural 
surface. They pertained to individuals aged from about 14 to about 
40; not one of them had anything buried with it. They were in 
various positions, flexed or extended, on either side, with heads in 
any direction. 
The ground in the vicinity is strewn with flints, mostly rough, 
unfinished, or broken, and with periwinkle shells. Very many of 
these objects were scattered promiscuously through the structure, 
being gathered up with the earth. Near the south end was a mass 
of shells nearly a foot thick with scarcely any earth among them; 
evidently they were gathered up from a refuse heap. 
A skull of an adult was collected in many pieces. 
Loose in the earth, near the top of the mound, was a spade of 
amphibole schist, commonly known here as “ granite”; it was simi- 
lar to but smaller than those found deeper in the mound. Such 
“spades” are rather common in this region. 
