Judge Davis’ attempt to explain the inscription on Dighton rock. 201 
formed by Asonet and Taunton rivers, which unite about four miles 
below the rock. (See a sketch, Fig. 21). | Across this neck a trap 
of this sort might be framed with the same advantages, as in that, de- 
lineated by La Hontan ; and no portion of our country perhaps was 
more favorable for the amusement and exploits of the hunter. The 
territory east of Taunton river, and between that river and Plymouth and 
Sandwich, is so congenial to deer particularly, that they are still found 
in considerable plenty in the forests in that region. The river, neigh- 
bouring ponds, and forests abounding in game, would render this vicin- | 
ity a desirable and favorite residence for the Indians. To such plac- 
€s, it appears from Roger Williams, they were in the habit of resort- 
ing in large companies for hunting, fishing, and fowling, at particular 
seasons of the year. During the intervals of leisure, incident to such 
occupations, as the art of designing was not unknown and not unfre- 
quent among the Indians of this country, it seems altogether natural 
and probable, that some one or more among the companies, successive- 
ly resorting to this spot, should be disposed to make a delineation, 
commemorative or indicative of their favorite employment. If the 
mode of hunting on the grand scale, above mentioned, were in use 
among the Indians of New England, of which I believe there is no 
doubt, the apparatus, employed in it, would take a strong hold of 
the imagination ; and, as with all its grandeur it happens to be ex- 
tremely simple in its construction, there would be nothing difficult in 
the representation. This I believe to be the true explanation of the 
several resembling triangular figures on the Dighton rock. If this. 
be admitted, it gives a key to the whole. The quadruped (proba- 
bly representing a deer), the bird, which many observers find there, 
and the arrow heads, all become consistent appendages. The hu- 
man figures represent the hunters : and, without any extravagance of 
imagination, I think we may trace a river, with wears across it, for 
