THOMAS,] INCLOSURES AND WALLS. 31 



KFFIGY MOUNDS. 



These are the singular eartheu structures desigued to represent ani- 

 mal figures, the humau form, or some iiiauimate object. They are lim- 

 ited almost exclusively to the Wiscousiu district, the ouly known excep- 

 tions being two or three in Ohio and two in Georgia. It is more thau 

 probable that most of those to which the name " Man-mound " has been 

 applied are really bird effigies. 



Although not belonging strictly to the mound (ilass in the restricted 

 sense, yet, as being nearest allied thereto, we may arrange here the 

 refuse heaps and house sites. 



REFUSE HEAPS. 



Although the ancient heaps of rubbish in America are composed 

 chiefly of marine and fresh-water shells, the more comprehensive term 

 refuse heap is given here, as under it may be placed not only the accu- 

 mulations of shells but other heaps known as kitchen-middens and open- 

 aii- workshojis or accumulations of flint chips. The heap is distin- 

 guished from the mound by the fact that the former is a mere accumu- 

 lation of rubbish, while the latter is constructed with a specific design 

 in view. 



HOUSE SITES AND HUT RINGS. 



The works to which the latter of these names is applied are usually 

 small rings or circles of earth fi'om 15 to .50 feet in diameter, the inclosed 

 area being more or less depressed. This name is given them because 

 it is now conceded that they are the remains of circular houses or wig- 

 wams. In Arkansas and some other soiithern sections these rings ap- 

 • Ijear to be replaced by low, flattened, luostly circular mounds in which 

 are found the indications or remains of houses which in most cases appear 

 to have been consumed by fire. To these and other similar remains, 

 though not covered by mounds, the name " house sites" has been applied. 



CAIRNS. 



With the exception of two or three efiflgies and the accumulations of 

 .flint chips the only stone mounds found in the United States east of the 

 Rocky Mountains are of the conical type. The term "cairn" is some- 

 times applied to the smaller and more regular ones, though "mound" 

 is the word usually employed in this country in referring to tliem. 



INCJ.OSURES, MYALLS, ETC. 



The works included in this class are inclosures, usually formed by a 

 more or less complete surrounding wall of earth or stone; lines of walls, 

 sometimes single, sometimes in pairs forming parallels; embankments, 

 and other mural works. 



