THOMAS.] 



RELICS WITH INTRUSIVE BURIALS. 



51 



nearly obliterated. Some of these have been opened and various relics 

 obtained, mostljT those accomi>auying intrusive burials. 



The greater number of a row of large circular mounds, situated on a 

 high bottom between the old bayon and the river, have been removed 

 to make way for buildings, railroad tracks, etc., this being the only 

 part of the immediate area which is not overflowed when the water is 

 very high. Many articles of stone, copper, iron, and silver were found, 

 but mainly from intrusive burials, though obtained at or beneath the 

 base. 



One large mound, 70 feet iu diameter and 10 feet high, was still unex- 

 plored. This was opened. It had been considerably defaced, especially 

 on the western side. According to tradition it was a noted burial place 

 of the Indians, which was certainly confirmed by the result. The 

 surface or top layer was composed mainly of sand 

 and alluvial earth to the depth of some 3 or 4 feet. 

 Scattered through this in almost every part of the 

 mound were found human skeletons in various 

 stages of decay and in different positions, but mostly 

 stretched horizontally on the back. Mixed with 

 these I'cmains were fragments of blankets, clothing, 

 and human hair; one copper kettle, three copper 

 bracelets, one silver locket, shown in Fig. 10; ten 

 silver bracelets similar to the one shown in l<'ig. 11, 

 ouehaving the word "Montrear' stamped on it; and 

 another the letters "A. B.;" two silvei' ear-rings; six 

 silver brooches similar to Fig. 12; one copi)er finger 

 ring; one double silver cross (Fig. 13); one knife 

 handle; one battered bullet, and one carved wooden 

 l)ipe similar to those at present in use. In fact, the 

 top layer to the depth of .S or 4 feet seemed to be packed as full of skel- 

 etons as possible without doubling them, and even that had been re- 

 sorted to in some cases. 



Flu. 10.— Silvc-i- Icicket 

 I'roui luouiid, I'rairie 

 du Cbien, Wisconsin. 



. 11. — Bracelet of silver from toouikI, 

 Pniirie ilu Cliien. AVisconsiii. 



Fig. 12. — Silver hrn<)( h frnm mound, 

 Prairie du Cbu'ii, Wis4-(tnsin. 



Carrying the trench down to the original surface of the ground there 

 was found, near the center, at the bottom, a single skeleton of an a<lult,. 



