108 MOUND EXPLORATIONS. 



CLAYTON COUNTY. 



The ancient remains of this county are chiefly effigy mounds or em- 

 blematic works similar in character to those found in Wisconsin, and 

 evidently attributable to the authors of those singular structures. So far 

 as could be ascertained, these works are only found on the west sideof the 

 Mississippi, between Yellow river on the north and the Maquoketa on the 

 south and westward, a distance of some ten or twelve miles. As will 

 be seen by reference to a map of this region, this small belt is directly 

 opposite that portion of Wisconsin which seems to have been the chief 

 home of the effigy mound-builders, where, as well as in this small por- 

 tion of Iowa, they have left enduring evidences of a dense population 

 or long occupancy, as the bluffs, the terraces, and even higher bottoms 

 of the river subject to occasional overflow are alike dotted over with 

 effigies and the usual accompanying small circular mounds and lines of 

 earthworks. 



ELKPORT EFFIGY. 



This is situated on a bluff overlooking Turkey river near Elkport, 

 about 10 miles west of the Mississippi, and is 120 feet long, nearly one- 

 half its length consisting of an extremely elongated tail, which is in 

 strong contrast with the short legs. It is probably intended to represent 

 the otter. The greatest height of the body is 5 feet, the main portions 

 of the extremities fi'om 2 to 3 feet, but the tail tapers to a i)oint. 



There are many other interesting works along Turkey river and 

 upon high bluffs above McGregor, notably effigies of antlered elks, 

 uniformly in lines or groups heading southward. Unfortunately the 

 sketches made of these were so defaced by subsequent exposure to a 

 heavy rain as to render them valueless for reproduction. 



Near the town of Clayton is another group of these works, which con- 

 sists of an extended line of effigy and circular mounds. 



DUBUQUE COUNTY. 



Near the town of Peru, immediately south of the mouth of Maquoketa 

 creek, situated on a dry, sandy bench or terrace some 20 feet or more 

 above a bayou which makes out from the Mississippi, is a group, 

 mostly of small circular tuniuh. As the relative positions may possi- 

 bly furnish some aid to the archeologist in studying their several uses, 

 a sketch of the group is given in Fig. 51. Fifty years ago, according 

 to the old settlers, this ground was covered with a heavy growth of 

 timber, which was removed for the purpose of cultivation ; but the 

 larger portion having afterwards been abandoned, most of the mounds 

 are again covered with a young forest growth. A number were opened, 

 but only detached portions of a skeleton were found, as a skull in one, 

 a leg, arm, or other part in another, foiu' or five adjacent ones appar- 

 ently aggregating one entire skeleton. Some of these bones are 

 charred and all are much decayed, indicating great age. Otherwise 



