THOMAS.] 



THE BEN PROFFER MOUNDS. 



169 



No. 1, the largest, occupies a commanding position overlooking the 

 valleys of both streams. Though not large, being only about 35 feet 

 in diameter and 5 feet high, it is quite a conspicuous object, and has 

 some local notoriety. It is rounded with steep slopes that contrast 

 strongly with the low flat outline of the small mounds of the valley 

 below (at a a). A number of chert stones were observed embedded in 

 its .surface. No. 3 is forty paces from No. 1 in an open field ; it is 30 

 feet in diameter by 2 in height. There are two piles of stone on it, but 

 these were probably placed there receTitly to get them out of the way of 

 the plow. Flint chips are scattered around it in considerable numbers. 



Fig. 88. — The Witting luounda, Cajte tJirardean county, Mi.sBOuri. 



Nos. 3 and 4 are quite small and near to No. 1. The mounds in the bot- 

 tom at a a are circular, quite small, low, and flattened on top. They 

 are probably the sites or foundations of former dwellings or wigwams. 



THE WITTING MOUNDS. 



These compose a small group on the farm of Mr. August Witting, 5 

 miles west of Jackson, and seem to differ somewhat from the ordinary 

 type. Their position is also peculiar, as they are near the top of the 

 divide between Cane and Bird creeks and on the north slope of the hill, 

 the only instance of this kind noticed. Their relative positions are 

 shown in Fig. 88. Some two years ago a trench was dug through No. 



