52 BURIAL MOUNDS OF THE NORTHERN SECTIONS. 
stone vault 7 feet long and 4 feet deep, in the bottom of which was found 
a large ang much deeayed human skeleton, but wanting the head, 
which the most careful examination failed to discover. A single rough 
spear head was the only accompanying article found in this vault. 
At the depth of 6 feet, in earth similar to that around the base of 
the mound, was found a second skeleton, also much decayed, of an 
adult of ordinary size. At 9 feet a third skeleton was encountered, in 
a mass of loose, dry earth, surrounded by the remains of a bark coffin. 
This was in a much better state of preservation than the other two. 
The skull, which was preserved, is of the compressed or ‘ flat-head” type. 
For some 3 or 4 feet below this the earth was found to be mixed with 
ashes. At this depth in his downward progress Colonel Norris began 
to encounter the remains of what further excavation showed to have 
been a timber vault, about 12 feet square and 7 or 8 feet high. From 
the condition in which the remains of the cover were found, he concludes 
that this must have been roof-shaped, and, having become decayed, was 
crushed in by the weight of the addition made tothe mound. Some of 
the walnut timbers of this vault were as much as 12 inches in diameter. 
In this vault were found five skeletons, one lying prostrate on the floor 
at the depth of 19 feet from the top of the mound, and four others, which, 
from the positions in which they were found, were supposed to have 
‘been placed standing in the four corners. The first of these was dis- 
covered at the depth of 14 feet, amid a commingled mass of earth and 
decaying bark and timbers, nearly erect, leaning against the wall, and 
surrounded by the remains of a bark coffin. All the bones except those 
of the left forearm were too far decayed to be saved; these were pre- 
served by two heavy copper bracelets which yet surrounded them. 
The skeleton found lying in the middle of the floor of the vault was 
of unusually large size, * measuring 7 feet 6 inches in length and 19 
Fic. 21.—Copper gorget from mound, Kanawha County, West Virginia. 
inches between the shoulder sockets.” It had also been inclosed in a 
wrapping or coffin of bark, remains of which were still distinctly visible. 
It lay upon the back, head east, legs together, and arms by the sides. 
There were six heavy bracelets on each wrist; four others were found 
under the head, which, together with a spear-point of black flint, were 
incased in a mass of mortar-like substance, which had evidently been 
wrapped in some textile fabric. On the breast was a copper gorget (Fig. 
