128 ANIMAL CARVINGS. 



the Mound-Builders and are not derived from diistaut parts tbrougli 

 the agency of trade, of which there would appear to be little doubt, 

 and, assuming that the sculptures represent the animals they have been 

 supposed to represent — of which something remains to be said — the 

 theory that the acquaintance of the Mound-Builders with these ani- 

 mals was made in a region far distant 

 from the one to which they subsequently 

 migrated would seem to be not un 

 worthy of attention. It is necessary, 

 however, before advancing theories to 

 account for facts to first consider the 

 facts themselves, and in this case to seek 

 an answer to the question how far the 

 identification of these carvings of sup- 

 rig. 4— otter. riomAucientMonunients. posed foreign animals is to be trusted. 

 Befoi'e noticing in detail the carvings supposed by Squier and Davis 

 to represent the manatee, it will be well to glance at the carvings of 

 another animal figured by the same authors which, it is believed, has 

 a close connection with them. 



Figure 4 is identified by the authors of the "Ancient Monuments" 

 (Fig. 156) as an otter, and few naturalists will hesitate in pronouncing 

 it to be a very good likeness of that animal; the short broad ears, 

 broad head and expanded snout, with the short, strong legs, would seem 

 to belong unmistakably to the otter. Added to all these is the indica- 

 tion of its fish-catching habits. Having thus correctly identified this 

 animal, and with it before them, it certainly reflects little credit upon 

 the zoological knowledge of the authors and their powers of discrimina- 

 tion to refer the next figure (Ancient Monuments, Fig. 157) to the 

 same animal. 



X'ig. 5^^0tter of Squier and Davis. 



Of a totally different shape and physiognomy, if intended as an 

 otter it certainly implies an amazing want of skill in its author. How- 

 ever it is assuredly not an otter, but is doubtless an unfinished or 

 rudely executed ground squirrel, of which animal it conveys in a general 

 way a good idea, the characteristic attitude of this little rodent, sitting 



